I Hear You, I Hurt With You and I Will Fight For You

I usually post a photo from a recent photo shoot on Fridays but this photo came up on my memories from last year’s end of the school year picnic and it stopped me in my tracks. I knew I had to share it again.

As I’ve watched the shocking and disturbing events of the past few weeks I feel helpless. I’ve read, listened, thought and tried to process how all human beings aren’t treated equally. My heart breaks for my friends of color who have to navigate living in this unjust world. How they have to teach their sons to be on guard and how to act if approached by a police officer for doing nothing wrong.

I’m glad my boys do not see color and embrace their friendships. Last year I didn’t think anything of this photo and this year it really made me stop and think. It made me realize how unfair this world is. How everyone is a child of God and deserves to be treated fairly and with dignity. Kids are born without prejudice. It’s something they learn and observe. I’ve loved watching my kids grow up in our diverse community and become friends with many races.

I’m not sure what to do and how to help. But I can’t sit by silently. I am reaching out to my black friends and hearing their thoughts. I am talking to my boys about these events and teaching kindness, love and acceptance. I really want to help make a difference but feel so small in this world. But I have to start somewhere. Even with small gestures right in my community. I want my friends to know that I see you, I hear you, I hurt with you and I will fight for you. ❤️🤎✊🏽✊🏾✊🏿⬛ #blacklivesmatter