I grew up in a neighborhood with no "blacks". I went to elementary and middle school with less than half a dozen african-american students. My mom, born in 1954, did not see a person of color until she was 13. We moved, when I entered high school, into an area with a rather high population of african-american folks. My parents were worried about this, but I didnt know what the problem could be.
When the L.A riots occurred, I didn't get what all the fuss was about, why the black community was so outraged. My mom understood. She remembered the Watts riots 27 years earlier. I had not been exposed to racisim; I am white, I was born in the 70's, I grew up in a white neighborhood, in other words I was sheltered from it. Perhaps, I was the epitome of it, I didn't mean to be. I have never personally experienced social injustice, prejudice or been the victim of racism, I can't possibly know what that is like.
Today, the United States of America will inaugurate it's first African-American President. Despite your political beliefs you have to admit that is pretty darn amazing! What progress we have made. The people have spoken. The Black community must feel so incredibly proud and exonerated. The highest office in all the land is finally integrated! How far we have come as a society, that my kids don't see this, a black man elected president, as a very big deal.
I stand in support of my leadership, whoever it may be. I am thankful to be led by a christian man. I will be praying for him and the decisions he will be making. I am in awe that the new president is not much older than me (and has younger children). I am hopeful for the future and the changes that will be made and that he is black is pretty cool too.
Monday, January 19, 2009
Wednesday, January 7, 2009
Community
Almost 4 years ago, I sat in my living room holding a tiny baby with tears pouring down my face and stitches across my belly. My husband had to go back to school, only five days after our daughters birth. The room was quiet and very lonely. There were no visitors and I was desparate for one. Just someone to come and sit with me, I didn't need 'help', but really needed a friend. My feelings vascilated between pity and despair.
A friend from church called to see how I was doing and with a lilt in her voice said; "If you need anything you just let me know". I responded with; "I really just need some company" to which she replied; "Well, okay you just let me know". I thought I just did.
One angel came to visit, a beautiful woman from church. She brought a lovely present and sat with me and held my precious bundle as I cried and smiled. Trying my best to hold it together. As much as i enjoyed her coming, what a blessing!, our relationship was young and her presence seemed to compound my loneliness for others. Where was everyone? Had I really no friends? had I really not invested in relationships enough to have them here with me now in my time of need, in my time of joy, in my time of fear and saddness?
Here I am almost 4 years later and I am in awe of the difference. Right now at this moment I could call atleast a dozen women to; come over to sit with me, watch my child, make my family a meal, listen to my troubles or even help me laugh or cry. I have so many amazing people in my life today that I can't imagine living my life without them.
The difference? Community! I am part of a community. Women that support and encourage and help one another. We do life together and I wouldn't 'do life' any other way. I couldn't 'do life' any other way. I couldn't possibly slip through any crack today. If I hadn't been heard from in the next 7 days, someone would come calling. That is a great feeling of comfort and security and most of all love!
What holds us together? I suppose it could be woman power or motherhood or a kind of sisterhood but I believe that what holds us together is the love of Christ. We love others more than we love ourselves. Therefore, we put the needs of others ahead of our own. Guess what? Everybody wins that way!
I will never be lonely again, and I am so eternally grateful.
A friend from church called to see how I was doing and with a lilt in her voice said; "If you need anything you just let me know". I responded with; "I really just need some company" to which she replied; "Well, okay you just let me know". I thought I just did.
One angel came to visit, a beautiful woman from church. She brought a lovely present and sat with me and held my precious bundle as I cried and smiled. Trying my best to hold it together. As much as i enjoyed her coming, what a blessing!, our relationship was young and her presence seemed to compound my loneliness for others. Where was everyone? Had I really no friends? had I really not invested in relationships enough to have them here with me now in my time of need, in my time of joy, in my time of fear and saddness?
Here I am almost 4 years later and I am in awe of the difference. Right now at this moment I could call atleast a dozen women to; come over to sit with me, watch my child, make my family a meal, listen to my troubles or even help me laugh or cry. I have so many amazing people in my life today that I can't imagine living my life without them.
The difference? Community! I am part of a community. Women that support and encourage and help one another. We do life together and I wouldn't 'do life' any other way. I couldn't 'do life' any other way. I couldn't possibly slip through any crack today. If I hadn't been heard from in the next 7 days, someone would come calling. That is a great feeling of comfort and security and most of all love!
What holds us together? I suppose it could be woman power or motherhood or a kind of sisterhood but I believe that what holds us together is the love of Christ. We love others more than we love ourselves. Therefore, we put the needs of others ahead of our own. Guess what? Everybody wins that way!
I will never be lonely again, and I am so eternally grateful.
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