What will you do now?
It has honestly been the most tiring three weeks… it’s only been three weeks (if you haven’t read the post after George Floyd’s murder, click here)! However I will also say it’s been an enlightening period in 3 specific ways:
CONVERSING WITH OTHERS: Racism is a conversation that many of us tend to hide away from because it’s too painful, too awkward or too confrontational, but during this time I have been able to have a number of really great conversations with friends which has been great! I have found, though, that I must pace myself. In the moment the talks with friends many not seem as intense but the aftermath of having too many conversations = feeling drained.
DISAPPOINTMENT IN OTHERS: It’s been interesting to see the amount of sheer ignorance with people NOT wanting to listen, learn or understand what is happening, and it’s disappointing. It’s EVEN worse when someone you know who you thought understood posts something you didn’t expect them too. I don’t think I personally have felt a disappointment like it.
PICKING YOUR BATTLES: There are many posts that I just want to say something on, but for the sake of my mental health it’s best to know which ones to pick and which ones not to.
I want to share something that I put on my personal Instagram Stories last week, and I hope it challenges you as much as it does me:
For those of you who continue to post about racial injustice, continue.
To those who are reaching out to friends to understand, continue.
For those who are donating, researching organizations and signing petitions, continue.
To those educating yourselves and others by listening to conversations and reading different articles and books, continue.
Do what you can to better the world for everyone and play your part in fighting against this demon called racism.
I also encourage you to look after your mental health, especially my black brothers and sisters. Can I talk to you all specifically for a minute? We have been through INTENSE fatigue and trauma. We have had to see images and videos of those who look like is being killed again and again. We have had to read stories of deaths not caught on camera and endure the black history lesson that seems to start at slavery (though we had lives before then). We have experienced racial prejudice from many people on an individual and collective basis, not just recently and not just from those who are classed as white. Over decades and centuries it has seemed like the odds are against us.
In acknowledging the pains and struggles, do NOT forget that there have been advancements. DO NOT FORGET that people poured (and are still pouring) their blood, sweat and tears to fight against racial injustice. KNOW that there are MANY good and incredible non-black people out there. DON’T forget that in the slightest. People are fighting and standing up for what is right. There is support. There are friends. There is help. The world have been shaken and by God’s grace we are seeing a shift we have not seen before.
To other cultures who are a part of BAME (Black, Asian and Minority Ethnics / Black And Minority Ethnics), I see you and want to acknowledge you too. The fight against racism isn’t JUST a fight for black people because racism and racial discrimination doesn’t just happen to us. It happens to you too. You have stories - talk about them and heal, especially if you have been suppressing them. Talking or journaling is a very good way to release the burdens you have been carrying. The fight against racism has many layers and many sides and it is so important that we all understand this.
For all of us, let’s remember most of us are still dealing with COVID-19 and all the things it has brought with it. Take some time to rest, to clear your mind, to be creative, to draw strength from God. ALLOW yourself to not feel guilty about taking care of you!
