A couple of weeks ago I was at a wedding and experienced a cathartic moment. Someone shared something with me that overwhelmed my spirit with joy, to the point where I was in tears and could barely breathe. I had to leave the space to get air. I ran out and had to make a decision of whether to go left or right; I chose right. As soon as I turned the corner, I stopped walking and started wailing. I couldn't go any farther. I didn't know where I was, for I had never been there before. People were looking at me, but it didn't matter; I needed to breathe, and I needed to cry. Luckily my partner, who had followed me, was there to catch me and my tears. We talked a little, and I explained what was happening to me. We prayed, and then we both looked up. To our surprise, we were standing beneath this beautiful mural. He read the words aloud:
It had taken me almost a lifetime to discover that true emancipation lies in the acceptance of the whole past, in deriving strength from all my roots, in facing up to the degradation as well as the dignity of my ancestors.
~ Pauli Murray
As a Christian, I don't believe in coincidences. Everything happens for a reason. And at that moment, I was right where I was supposed to be, receiving a message that I needed to hear. My body calmed down, my spirit was at peace, and I felt affirmed. We returned to the wedding to enjoy the rest of the festivities.
Lord willing, I will continue to fight for peace. I will continue to stand for justice. And I will continue as an antiracist educator. I believe that we will win.
"... nothing to lose but our chains." - Assata Shakur
#disruptivepeace #peacemaker #antiracisteducator
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