“The ultimate measure of a man is not where he stands in moments of comfort and convenience, but where he stands at times of challenge and controversy.
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I want to begin by saying thank you to all of the frontline workers that continue to serve our communities world wide. To the many people, family and friends in law enforcement and military service that represent what’s right and just in our world, to wake up everyday and put their lives on the line to serve us. I am continually amazed to hear about the amazing ways people are selflessly giving of themselves and resources for the betterment of our communities and country. Thank you again.
In this month’s blog post I feel compelled to discuss the topic of racism, not only because of the recent happenings surrounding the senseless acts and murders this year. Racial injustice has existed for many people their whole life stemming back generations for hundreds of years. The ignorance of racism has been woven into our daily lives, self narratives, interactions, religious, political, social, and relational experiences. In processing these difficult and complex themes that play out in each of our lives, what role do we play and how do we move forward after this current season of our life?
I believe change begins with identifying our own personal ignorance. Nobody wants to ever be considered ignorant. However, to believe that ignorance doesn’t exist in each of our lives is ignorance in itself. Ignorance is defined as a lack of information and knowledge. In that regard, I admit that I am just plain ignorant to most things in life…as my wife nods her head.
So what does the saying “Ignorance is Bliss” mean? If you do not know about something, you do not worry about it. Now let’s look at the word bliss: To reach a state of perfect happiness, typically so as to be oblivious of everything else. What’s happened yet again with the racial tension within our nation and local communities is just a manifestation of this form of blissful ignorance that has existed for so long within groups of people that are not directly impacted. Change cannot occur when we believe that the issue of racism does not involve each and everyone of us.
In my observation and life experience of being a person of color, many people exist in this category when it comes to racism in America. People know racism exists all around us, but prefer to preserve their happiness or way of life by avoiding or ignoring the difficult existence of others. I am not trying to be a buzz kill towards prosperity and enjoying our freedoms, but rather trying to be instrumental in inspiring others to approach this topic in a safe place to explore, regardless of race or life experiences. The challenges for all White, Black, Asian, Latino humans are; How can we approach these complex realities that have existed forever with sensitivity for all, regardless of color in order to begin the process of healing and renewing our humanity? Answers anyone?
To me, the answer is not to continue to cast blame or shame. In my own research and education on this topic, here’s some of the best thoughts and advice I have come across from one of LA’s foremost black leaders, Reverend Michael Beckwith, interviewed by Lewis Howe:
Let’s NOT go back to normal
Let’s change the status quo of our society
Sacrifice comfort. The enemy lies in the comfort zone
Do the deep work of self reflection
Help to change the underlying narrative of our nation’s consciousness
Everyone can do something, don’t do nothing!
Change will occur with intentional love, not new laws
To hear the full interview of this excellent insight and conversation, I’ve posted the link Here.
If you are struggling during this tumultuous time in our history, find someone trained that you can speak with that will provide a safe space to process whatever your narrative may be. I believe true happiness comes from uncovering the veil of ignorance, in the difficult journey towards epic discoveries and enlightenment.
““Now, if you’re walking in the direction of greatness, walking in the direction of excellence, you’re going to be uncomfortable. … If we’re going to dismantle racism, it’s going to be uncomfortable.”
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