Webster’s Dictionary defines silence as “making no utterance : not speaking or making noise.” Another definition quotes “forbearance from speech or noise : muteness.” Silence – no speech – muteness. I find myself pondering how loud silence can be. I find the silence keeping me up at night. I find my own silence hard to process and deeply shameful. But how do you speak when you don’t know what to say? How do you convey a message of grief, pain and anger when you can’t truly imagine the depth of those feelings?
This is where I have found myself in the past week as we’ve watched the aftermath of the tragic and needless death of George Floyd. The media reports and social media posts have been overwhelming; and the anger, hatred and violence have been heartbreaking. I don’t plan to speak to any of these things but rather speak to those who we have failed. So here’s my letter to anyone who cares to read…
Dear Black Friend/Neighbour: I see you. You are my friend, co-worker and neighbour. You are a Father, Mother, Brother, Sister, Grandparent. You are a singer, a scientist, a preacher, a teacher, a lover, a LIFE. I have not done enough to know you better. I have not learned enough about your history. I have not taken the time to understand your day to day struggles. I have taken for granted my freedoms to do and be whomever I want. And for all of that, I am truly sorry.
I promise that I will do better. I will learn from this horror that you’re facing right now. I will stand beside you and hold your hand. I will learn more about your history. I will teach my children about your history and set an example for them of what true love and acceptance is because they are the future. All of our kids, regardless of their colour, are going to someday change this world. And it starts here and now with us. I will do better!
I am praying for you. My desire is to stand side-by-side with our hands lifted to the heavens in unity and full respect for one another. I know that God loves us all and I pray that He will bring you His perfect peace during this unbearable time.
Finally, I’m listening. I want to hear your stories. I will reach out and become an active part of the conversation. Please be patient with me if I ask ignorant questions. I will listen with attentive and compassionate ears and I will ask you how I can help to make it better.
Friend, you are loved. Just as God loves the world, so do I. I am so very sorry.
#blacklivesmatter
April
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Embrace The Delay 