“Well, I’m tired and so weary
But I must go along”
Randy Travis
The events of this past week have left me feeling hopeless, helpless and depressed. The murders of Phildanco Castile, Alva Braziel, Alton Sterling and Delrawn Small have me questioning not “why can’t we all just get along?” but “why can’t we live?!” I refused to watch the brutal killings of Alton Sterling and Phildanco Castile. My heart and soul could not take it. I cried for their lives and the nameless other black men and women who are victims of police brutality. I cried for my 31 year old nephew and 16 year old godson who have to live in a society that deems them so threatening that they need to be executed on site. I cried for the five officers killed in Dallas during a peaceful protest…no one deserves to be gunned down…NO ONE! I found myself sliding deeper into the abyss of despair and I knew had to take care of myself.
Taking care of yourself doesn’t mean you aren’t conscious or aware of the events going on around you. Practicing self care acknowledges that by taking a step back, you’re not allowing it to consume and overwhelm you. It’s okay to disconnect from social media and all the television coverage. It’s okay to do something that makes you feel good and smile. It’s okay to laugh at a funny joke. It’s okay to be around loved ones and decompress. Self care is not selfish…its self preservation.
I deeply hope one day the disease of racism will be eradicated so we can all live together as God intended.
Have a good Sunday.
…and by “like” I mean “love.”
My heart is broken, too. I pray (and vote!) for an end to racism and safety and prosperity for all.
Sending love to you Sis. This week had truly been traumatic. Continue to represent while taking care of yourself. And if you get a chance, watch Queen Serena here – this lifted my spirits. http://www.si.com/tennis/2016/07/09/serena-williams-wimbledon-maya-angelou-poem
I feel for all Americans and hope that this senseless slaughter will stop. All lives do matter and I thank God every day that I live in a free and comparatively safe country here in Australia. I won’t say racism is not found here but our gun laws and our very strong multicultural history have helped most Australians to live in harmony with our neighbours. It saddens me to hear that you and your family live with even a trace of fear, God protect you all.
Hugs and <3
Most of us do get along, regardless of race/ethnicity. Please hold that in your heart for hope. I do.
Thanks for sharing your heartfelt emotions during such a difficult time. Let’s not lose hope. To paraphrase Dr. King, the arc of history eventually bends toward justice. Hugs to you and everyone affected by these horrible events.
Living in Australia we have our own shame, with deaths in custody. But luckily we don’t have a gun culture which from our news reports seems to take so many lives.
As a white woman, when I hear ‘Black Lives Matter’, I NEVER take it to mean ‘only’ Black Lives Matter, but rather, black lives matter as much as ALL OTHER LIVES. Stay safe, stay strong and my thoughts are with you all. x from Australia