June 1, 2020
I listened a lot today. And I’m frustrated. I am trained to listen; without attempting to fix. But I so want to fix. Here’s what I heard this day:
A loved one could hardly speak through tears when I called to check in on her. She learned that all the stores in her area are out of stock of guns and ammunition. Journalists are being targeted. She is a journalist and has black skin. Watching more and more black and brown people killed with little or no consequences is terrifying and traumatizing.
The President of the United States threatened military action and encouraged Governors to use force. He also said, “If a city or state refuses, I will deploy the United States military and quickly solved the problem for them.”
The family of George Floyd had an independent autopsy which found Mr. Floyd died from asphyxiation. Both autopsies agree on homicide.
A friend called me to beg me NOT to go to a protest; because he feels I would be a target and not safe. And my heart breaks because his black skin throughout his life has made him a target, and he feels my white skin will trigger rage because of history and the ways whites have oppressed black and brown skin people. And we are both worried about each other.
“Mass protests raise fears of move Covid-19 infections.” To date, there are more than 105,000 dead in the United States.
A Doctor shared tips for protesting to limit chances of exposure to Covid-19: Try to distance; wear mask and googles; use hand sanitizer or wash hands often; try not to yell and instead use signs to get your voice heard.
CNN showed peaceful protestors being shot with rubber bullets and teargassed; so a path could be cleared for the President of the United States and his entourage to walk from the White House across the street to stand in front of St. John’s Episcopal Church, hold a Bible, and take a photo. As one of my friends sarcastically posted, this action by the President "is exactly what Jesus would do."
Louisville Police Chief was fired after officers killed a protestor, David McAtee. Every one of the officers involved had turned off their body cameras.
I support those protesting. I am learning more and more options for action. Today along with checking in and listening to black and brown loved ones; made a couple contacts to request the 4 police officers involved in the murder of George Floyd be held accountable. I had a conversation with a neighbor who stated upset with the protests and explained my support of the protests.
Racism must be dismantled.
Dismantling racism is not an easy fix.
I hear from many, how tired they are.
Now more than ever, action is required, everyday; by me and all white people.
There are many types of action.
To fix this; inaction is not an option.
Tonight’s Prayer:
Prayer of Hope
When evil darkens our world, give us light.
When despair numbs our souls, give us hope.
When we stumble and fall, lift us up.
When doubts assail us, give us faith.
When nothing seems sure, give us trust.
When ideals fade, give us vision.
When we lose our way, be our guide!
That we may find serenity in Your presence, and purpose in doing Your will.
John D. Rayner
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