If anger and outrage is what you feel, than I guess that’s what you feel. But in this great world-wide community in which we all play a part, I need to know what you’re going to do with your anger and outrage. Because, it would seem, you have the power to shoot me. And you have the power to stage a protest in my neighborhood, on the street where I live and where my children play. And you have the power to use every post and tweet—right down to every single word you sputter—to level only critique of our presidential candidates, elected officials, and world leaders. And if anger and outrage is what you’re feeling right now, I guess it makes sense that these are some of the things you’re up to these days.
But I need more from you. In this great world-wide community in which we all play a part, I need to know that you’re smart enough to know the difference between what you feel and what is helpful. Because your criticisms and hashtags and protests, while perhaps justified, are not going to save any lives, black or otherwise, and they’re not going to get a better person elected, and they’re not going to help my children fall asleep at night and dream sweet dreams. For this, I need more from you. And I think you know it, because I think you want more, too.
I need you to take some motherly advice and find something good to say or don’t say anything at all. I know there are times when it’s necessary to talk about what’s not good, but that time can’t be all the time. So please, if only for today, trade up for something hopeful. Be a samaritan and cut across the street to meet your neighbor. Or go one step farther and cut across town to meet your neighbor who lives there. Bring them a cupcake or a casserole. Add hopelessness to your list of protests. I’ll thank you for it. The mournful will thank you for it. The dead will praise you for it.
PleaseGrace 