To People of Color, women, and immigrants,
America is a serial abuser.
It engages you.
Sometimes speaking sweetly and flirtatiously.
Sometimes using its wits and charm.
Sometimes using force.
It convinces you that you are loved, wanted, and needed.
It fools you into thinking that you are included in the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution.
It lures you into carelessness and complacency.
Then viciously turns on you.
You lose your freedom.
Your innocence.
Your life.
You are beaten, bruised, and battered.
You promise yourself you will leave because you deserve better.
You tired of the promises of life, liberty, and pursuit of happiness.
The promises of freedom that are empty words.
You try to leave because you can’t take any more.
Your self-respect cries out for protection.
But it woos you back with apologies.
Promises of better treatment.
Better opportunities.
All lies.
You renew your hope, but you’re met with the same abuse.
Your dreams and aspirations are vanity.
You are disposable.
A piece of meat to be used, abused, and discarded.
The cycle endlessly repeats.
The question is not when the abuse will end.
The question is when will the abused leave.
Armed with the knowledge that nothing will ever change.
I am deeply discouraged and disappointed. I do want to share a message from a dear friend that I received today. Her faith reminds me that we can be lights in the darkening world. There are many of us and when we stand together we will get through this. Here is her message:
"In spite of last night's totally unexpected results, I still have faith that God is in control. Reflecting this morning, my heart is so deeply wounded that half of America thinks that racism, xenophobia, a despise of LGBT individuals, a hatred of immigrants is totally acceptable. I had a brief moment of despair, but I will not linger there. I must become more engaged to move forward....to preserve our democracy and to replace this spreading hatred with love. They will know we are Christians by our love!
Sending much love and support your way."
I'm sad with you, brother. Arm-in-arm we still stand. Love you.