Times are definitely tough, anymore. At least they are as far as this 49 year old can remember. I know that I have been blessed and privileged. I inherited much by sheer luck. Times, indeed, have been much tougher for others for a long time. This humbles me.
Harsh opinions and fast judgements that used to be said in private and/or made you uncomfortable during a family gathering are now much more out in the open. This seems to be so now especially with the ease of expressing strong feelings on social media.
Political correctness always seemed like a put down to me but I’ll admit, I miss those days.
Trying to process the tangible vitriol after an alleged January 2018 s-hole week has been major feat. I greatly respect people, regardless of politics, who condemn statements that dismiss an entire human culture. Namaste, indeed.
Words in its wake that were soothing came from MLK Jr’s daughter, Bernice King. She spoke about her father’s life and how “his work should be applied to the current moment, where racism has again come out into the open.” She talked about these “difficult times being a blessing in disguise; an opportunity for America to correct itself.” I was especially affected by her words about the racist diet of the past needing to be released. We all have unchecked feelings and unfounded beliefs that we would only say to a few close people, benign or not. It’s time to get it out and move through these growing pains.
Our Pastor today was especially moving as he talked about not allowing fear and despair to be in control of our lives. Celebrate life. Don’t give into anxiety and dread. Allow joy to be in charge. It shall be the biggest act of defiance in response to these uneasy times.
#akintsucrooner
akintsucrooner 