The Silence of Friends

My opinion probably doesn't matter in the grand scheme of things, but I wanted to add my voice to the many other voices expressing concern and outrage over the brutal murder of George Floyd.

Yes. I watched the video. It made me sick. I've also watched other videos of police beating people of color senseless and it's upsetting and sickening. It's just not in me to treat another human being that way. I can't even fathom why someone would be that angry. But it happens. All the time. And my simple, God-fearing heart just can't comprehend why, except there is evil in this world and no matter how hard we fight, it seems we lose more battles than we win.

I have to put this into a perspective that I understand. My daughter from another mother married a black man. He is educated and works hard to support his family. He wants what we all want--a safe and loving world where he can raise his son. He's 6'5" and my grandsons call him Uncle Giant. I love him. I love him because he is kind and loving and gentle. I love him because he loves his wife and treats her with respect and compassion. I love him because he is one of the best fathers I know to my adorable adopted grandson. My grandsons don't even see his color. He's just Uncle Giant--the guy who carries them, lifts them on his shoulder, plays with them and loves on them.

I don't see color, but he does. He says people are afraid of him. He says they look at him as a threat without even knowing him. I can't even begin to understand how that feels. People hav "e judged me for my opinions and my views, but never the color of my skin. It breaks my heart that he is afraid for his son and his son's future. It breaks my heart that we even have to have this conversation, but we do.

God said we are all equal--in a perfect world that would be so. But this is not a perfect world. It is filled with evil and inequality. All I can do is be one voice. I can say it's time to stop hating and judging people who are different than you. I can speak up and say it's time to stop talking and take action. I'm not sure what needs to be done, but we need to try. We need to open our eyes and step up when we see abuse. We need to be the example and embrace everyone as equal. I may only be one, but just one voice added to another voice added to another voice can make a difference.

I pray that God opens the eyes of those who are blinded and help them to see that we all just want to be loved and accepted. Martin Luther King Jr. said, "In the end, we will remember not the words of our enemies, but the silence of our friends."

All Hell Done Broke Lose Around Here

I was watching "Guess Who's Coming to Dinner" the other night and as I heard one of the actors use this line, I thought it was quite fitting for what we are experiencing right now. It's tough for so many of us who are "staying at home" and even tougher for those who must continue to work and put themselves at risk so we are safe.

My emotions have gone from lack of concern to absolute fear to a calm acceptance. Even though I trust that God is in control of everything, the constant barrage of news and the flood of posts on social media make it hard to look past the fear to the faith. On top of that, we are all missing our loved ones due to the social distancing and stay-at-home orders.

I have a friend who received a cancer diagnosis during all of this and she's single and at home alone. I can't even imagine how overwhelmed and lonely she must feel. No hugs of concern. No contact with members of her family. Thank God for social media and all the virtual hugs of compassion and concern she is receiving. (If you're reading this Jeanine, I'm thinking about you).

I think it's the actual physical touching that I miss the most. I miss my daughter hugging me hello. I miss my grandson William sitting almost on top of me when we are watching television. I miss my grandsons hugging me when I leave. I miss hugs from friends and family who are staying home and doing their part to stay healthy and keep others healthy.

I find comfort looking back on the good times I have had with them. Those memories fill my heart with joy and remind me to cherish and treasure every single day. The past hugs and smiles will have to do for now. Soon...very soon...we will be making more memories and they will be sweeter because we know not to take those moments for granted.

Stay safe and healthy!