Hello sweet faces! We have arrived in June and I must say I am TIRED! 2020 has been a year FULL of issues, transitions, trials, and loss. I really had something nice and fluffy to talk about this month, but I would be remiss if I grazed past the current issues we are facing as a country. This country is hurting, but it is a totally different feeling when senseless things happen to people who look like you. Things that seem to happen repeatedly. I think I can safely say on behalf of us all, ENOUGH IS ENOUGH!

These situations are enough to make us experience a myriad of thoughts, feelings, and emotions. I had no idea it was sooo heavy on me until I talked about it with a friend. Afterwards, I just felt a release because I had finally verbalized my emotions. During this time, there have been things happening that I agree with, and some that I do not condone, but the root of it all is hurt, fear, and anger. I have friends and acquaintances of all backgrounds that I love. People of all cultures and creeds read this blog. I do not and will not put everyone in one bucket because of the issues at hand, however, we must be cognizant of the issues we face as a whole.

I have family, friends, and acquaintances who look like me that I love dearly. I am praying that they never encounter a situation like George Floyd, Botham Jean, Atatiana Jefferson, Breonna Taylor, Trevon Brown, or Ahmad Arbury. There have become too many victims to name. Each one opening up an old wound. Tragic situations that may not have escalated if their skin color was different. It is not just our brown men and boys that are targeted, they also target our brown girls and women. The security of one’s home does not even translate to our brown men, women, boys, and girls. Scary right? The negativity is real! I have read responses to these tragedies that show me that the hate runs deep. People are very quick to bring up the past mistakes of those victimized, but haven’t we all done something that we don’t actually want to be punished for? Jesus died for ALL of our sins, but we seem to have a lot of Jesus Juniors and Holy Spirit administrators around these days who feel that they have the right to judge that punishment of murder is legitimate in these situations. So how can we contribute?

We know that the initial response is prayer. Prayer can reach places that our hands and feet cannot. Prayer can move mountains and break chains. But, at some point we have to talk and pray about the real issue. Racism. Racism is a generational curse. Just like anger, lust, or illness. It usually starts generations back, and if that history is not properly addressed, it will repeat itself. One thing I have been in prayer about is that God would change the narrative of how people of other races see all black and brown people. You all know the stereotypes. The narratives that say we are a threat, the narratives that say we don’t measure up to a golden standard, the narratives that say we are suspicious. Just like any other race, there are some great individuals and some that need a little help! We are not any more of a threat or deserving of suspicion than our less pigmented brothers and sisters. We do measure up, we do matter, and we have so much to be proud of!

Each of us has a role to play in changing the narrative. There are conversations that must be spoken. We need to talk to our young people about the importance of knowing how to react when in a situation with those in law enforcement. We must teach them to respect authority, but also to respectfully take measures to protect themselves. This is nothing new. Now we just have technology to speak when our words aren’t heard. Have the hard conversations with family and friends on the importance of loving each other regardless of skin color. Help them to understand that you cannot judge by the color of one’s skin. 1 John 4:20 MSG says “If anyone boasts, “I love God,” and goes right on hating his brother or sister, thinking nothing of it, he is a liar. If he won’t love the person he can see, how can he love the God he can’t see?” The Bible says that person is a LIAR, I didn’t!! Check your hearts, y’all! Love and respect are key principles. Even with everything going on, I am proud of the melanin in this skin and I love my culture.

Bottom line is we have had enough, but we are ENOUGH! Our brown babies are ENOUGH! Now more than ever, we must put forth the effort to invest in them now so they won’t see days like this in the future. I do believe this was a turning point. The support is large, and there is true empathy. Don’t let it die! I pray that we are diligent in seeking God for our specific part in this battle. I pray that unity, peace, and love will bubble out of us like rivers of living water. That this water will soothe souls, heal wounds, and break generational curses. I thank you God, that the narrative will be changed. That when they see us, they will see us as Your children. Cover us and our families with your powerful blood. I pray for those in authority, government officials, and leaders, that their thoughts, actions, and beliefs will align with your word. The heart of the king is in Your hands, convict their hearts and minds and turn them towards You. Give us strength, restore our joy, and teach us how to love as You do. Amen, Amen, and Amen! I love you all! Please be safe and take care!

•