Today, we seem to be faced with a nation that continues to be plagued with unrest and a virus that has taken a grip on humanity and threatens our basic existence. Boredom at home, loss of jobs, closure of businesses, and political struggles are holding us hostage as we try to come to grips with how to survive this multifaceted attack. The easiest problem to solve, one would think, would be for us as humans to accept each other as equals. To be able to sit next to someone who is different from ourselves and not be scared or threatened by that difference. The skin, the hair, the education, the traditions can all be frightening. But why?
There is an experiential exercise where a group of individuals who do not know each other have to pick the person from the group that seems the least like themselves. If it were you, who would you pick? The farmer, the free-thinking sun bum, an elderly person, the tattooed motorcycle guy, the perfect looking housewife, the rich man, a non-binary person, a person of color with dreads, or the girl in a wheelchair?
As the process goes, after picking that person, you sit, talk, express your fears and hopefully begin to relate to a degree that may be of significance. There is a huge potential here that, during this safe exchange, the two people may begin to understand some similarities or at least appreciate the differences between themselves. This moment of vulnerability and relating on some level can be eye opening and life changing. If we took the time and tried to understand what others are looking for, we may also learn more about ourselves. We are not saying that we can agree on all beliefs but hopefully we can show some understanding and enlightenment as to why people feel the way that they do. This can be a long stretch and can be difficult to accomplish.
We, too, are struggling these days with how the world is conducting its business and how to navigate our way through it. We are comforted by the reminder that the darkest hour is just before the dawn. In many ways, we may be at our darkest hour. From the day we won our independence, this nation has fought internal struggles. There remains many unanswered questions about this country’s existence. As we look at the Pledge of Allegiance, we ask ourselves about what does it mean today to pledge allegiance to our flag? What does indivisible and liberty and justice for all mean as we now face a huge political divide and a virus that only wants to kill? The White House lawn is now being used for political gatherings with messages that are a threat to liberty and justice for all. Sometimes, it feels like we are surrounded by evil and a vicious loop of hatred and racism stemming from this Administration. As most of us did as children in classrooms across the country, we can recall putting our hands over our hearts and pledging allegiance to the flag and to our country. This was not a pledge to any one person or politician.
In days past, we would have asked if there was any time left to rise above petty differences and search for what we all may have in common. But today’s chasms seem to be too deep and unforgiving. Some have said that we seem to be living in an alternate universe where things are upside down. Wrong seems right and right seems wrong. If you know the right person, you will be rewarded by being granted clemency while those with far less egregious crimes are served with unjust sentences. If nothing else, this is all a cause for action to right this country and return it to the heart and soul of our nation’s pledges, our Constitution, and our laws. For, if we do not, this may be the darkest hour and one that greets no dawn.
Like many of you at this point, we are hanging our hopes on the voting system and the November election. In the meantime, are there any small gestures that we can make individually to encourage others to vote and to have a voice? We have multiple friends who are writing post cards, letters, making phone calls, and sending donations. It may be a simple as not buying into an agenda of hate, defending a democratic cause, or flying a peace flag in support of our United States. Whatever we do, we must not let the divide continue in our backyards, neighborhoods, or towns. We must start locally and vote for unity. There has been enough anger, hate, division, and despair. Let’s get excited about November and the real chance of a great change – a reversal of the offenses to our people, our land, and our allies. Be hopeful and spread that hope. If we do our share, we can look forward to the light after the darkest hour as the dawn awaits us. We have earned it and, come November 4th, we can celebrate the sunrise together!
In 1960 Six-year-old Ruby Bridges is escorted by four armed federal marshals to become the first student to integrate William Frantz Elementary School in New Orleans. Her actions inspired Norman Rockwell’s painting The Problem We All Live With (1964)
In the meantime, think about this brave but scared 6 year old girl who had to be escorted to school to stop from being attacked in 1960. Was that her darkest hour or, for her, the dawn of a new day?
Be Brave, Work Together, Have Hope, Encourage Everyone to Vote!
