(Sidebar - I once worked in the Quality field, and one of our directives for getting to the root cause of any problem was to "ask 'why?' five times." Lately, I've been trying to apply that methodology to what's been going on in the world, more specifically to the US, and more often than not, I keep ending up scratching my head...) Lord, I am angry.
Why are you angry?
I have trouble writing and sleeping, because I don't understand nor do I know how to explain to my children that bullies aren't supposed to win and that cheaters aren't supposed to prosper.
Why are bullies winning and cheaters prospering?
Because there are people in positions of power who think that their way of life, stepping on top of or eliminating others, helps them get ahead.
Why do they think these actions help them get ahead?
Although in science there is Newton's third law: "for every action, there is an equal and opposite reaction," our justice system doesn't use these scales. People who break the same laws don't receive the same punishment.
Why aren't people who break the same laws receiving the same punishments?
Follow the money. Prisons are big business. There is no profit in rehabilitating people or helping them understand that they should correct wrongs.
Why wouldn't people want to rehabilitate those in their communities who've gone astray or help them correct the wrongs they've done?
Great question. It's one I ask myself all the time. I don't have an answer, and when I don't have an answer, I turn to prayer. That's when I called on you, Father. Please guide me and our country when the law of the land has abandoned us, has abandoned reason. When 2 + 2 no longer equals 4, I call on you to help me find the unknown, and to shine a light on that which is not true. I think now, I can write. Now, I can sleep.
And, what will you do after you have slept?
When I wake, I will do what you have called me to do. I will write, shine a light in dark places, amplify what is right, and be a resource. Anger gets things done, but grace is my grease and wisdom is my fuel. Father, thank you for giving me faith for my walk, grace to open the closed doors before me, and wisdom to help me speak and act with authenticity and authority! I don't know everything and have never been ashamed to say that. So, I make it my business to find out who does and make the necessary introductions. To that end, Father, please continue to make a way out of no way. In Jesus' name I pray, Amen.
Resources to Consider
Visit your local library! Learn as much as you can about your town/city, its people, its founding. Learn about your state and its origins. Learn about this country and its origins. Do you find history boring? Turn your search into a game! Make learning fun! Do you like music? Find out if your city has any famous musicians? Do you like food? Find out if your grandma's recipe is unique to your hometown, state, or region. Do you like politics? Find out how you can get more involved. Don't know where to start? Nine times out of ten, your local librarian can help you on your journey.
VOTE!!! I cannot stress how much every election matters. Do you have questions about in-person voting or absentee ballots? Do you know your polling place? Are you registered to vote? Visit www.vote.org to find out your voting status. If you're not registered to vote, get registered. Now! Research the candidates on local, state, and national levels. Find out what they stand for and against. Find out for yourself what matters to you. Remember, if anyone is actively trying to take away your right to vote, you should be asking yourself, "Why?." An educated voter is a smart voter!
Stay in school! Support your teachers in their efforts to see you succeed. I promise you that this is a win-win situation. Any teacher that wants to see you do well is a great teacher. Don't you know when you look good, they look good? Let them help you shine. Support more funding for education programs in your local districts. Don't know where to find this information? Ask your school leadership or a librarian.
Are you angry, too? Do something constructive with your anger. Pray first, then act on something good and useful. Remember that faith without works is dead, so get going. Safely! We're still in the middle of a pandemic, so wear a mask and wash your hands. Be well, Kenyana Briscoe #GullahGriot