It's Way Past Time

When we decided to create this blog and were trying to come up with a name, we settled on “Virtually Deep Thoughts” as a shout-out to Jack Handey’s deep thoughts that used to be a part of SNL.  The name acknowledges what we were going for; not necessarily the most profound blog, mostly just ramblings, our random thoughts on random things.  Obviously, that has turned into day-to-day topics, often featuring Amelia, as I’m sure you, our few faithful readers, are aware.

This time, since I have a voice, however small it may be, I cannot continue to remain completely silent.  There have been countless others who are undeniably more eloquent and more educated on this subject.  And so, I will resist the urge to ramble on; I won’t even try to build an argument or change your mind, wherever you stand.  This is simply a rundown of my thoughts on the matter, in their most simplistic form.  That does not in any way mean that anything about this is simplistic.

I stand with those who are fighting injustice.  Injustice in it’s many forms; not just on one particular front (p.s. #lovewins).  Right now, though, I am speaking about the injustices in our world today based on race. 

Black lives matter.  I believe that all lives matter and because of that, when the issue at hand is about black lives, I have no problem acknowledging that black lives, every single one of them, do indeed matter.

The discrepancies between how people are treated are unacceptable.  This has to change.  I am supporting changes, having conversations, being willing to communicate about our problems, striving for diversity in my daily life and hoping to move towards better tomorrows.  I know that I can do more and will continue to be open to new ways to affect change.

Symbols, including flags that remind us of a history of hatred and oppression should not be celebrated.  Claiming that a flag is a part of history or a flag does not hurt anyone on it’s own is completely correct; however, that does not have anything remotely to do with whether it’s acceptable for it to continue to fly in front of government facilities or be endorsed by those with power in our society.  Being “not racist” is not enough. History has its place in museums; that’s how we learn not to repeat our past mistakes.  As an aside, guns may not walk around killing people on their own, but gun control does help to limit the amount of gun violence our society allows.  (If it were up to me, I would take it further than that.)

As a Christian, I believe that we are called to love.  Love is a lifestyle and not just words.  One of love’s jobs is working for equality.

I realize that I have said “I” an overwhelmingly abundant amount throughout this post and I hope that you’ll overlook that and hear the intent behind it.  I say that because, possibly, the most important thing I can say is that this is not about me.  Right now, this is not about white America; it’s about black America, and that is completely ok. 

Today, my heart aches with Charleston and so many others who have felt deep loss.  I mourn.  I am reeling from the dichotomy that the past few weeks have held.  I am thankful for a leader who gives eulogies.  I am grateful for those who have more effective words than I do.  I am willing to work, to change, to listen, to stand and most of all, to love.