A Time to Rise
Since George Floyd was mercilessly killed on video, at the hands of the Minneapolis police, in front of us all, hundreds of thousands of people have been demonstrating peacefully around the world. This physical mourning, this moving expression of distress and determination for social justice, is an important element to both demanding action and healing.
When you turn on the news, you see what is happening after dark, when a much smaller group of demonstrators are expressing their anger with destruction. It is beyond unfortunate that the point of the initial injustice gets blurred because of the after-dark outbursts.
If you are like me, you may also wish to express your support for justice for George Floyd but may not be in a position to protest in the streets. There are other ways to rise against this injustice. This article in O, The Oprah Magazine, Here’s How You Can Help Demand Justice for George Floyd, lays out a number of organizations you can support financially and actions you can take from home. On www.change.org, a “Justice for George Floyd” petition has nearly 9 million signatures.
With dignity and hope, Maya Angelou has words for this moment:
May we all rise in the face of unspeakable injustice,
Barbara Fagan-Smith
P.S. I received a huge response to last week’s blog about Depression and Anger. Most people I heard from found it helpful in seeing depression in themselves or in a loved one and were prompted to take action. Others were grateful that I brought up a topic that is still taboo but needs to be discussed. Some people were alarmed and upset — reminded of their own experiences with suicide and/or deeply concerned about my wellness. This last reaction I had not anticipated.
I see and honor all those reactions. I was fortunate because I have not been dealing with chronic depression. I had a reaction to going off antidepressants after many years of taking them, despite doing it carefully. Once I realized what was happening, it put my emotions in perspective immediately. I was also fortunate to have gotten relief quickly from the antidepressants once I resumed taking them. That is not everyone’s experience with depression and antidepressants.
Someone asked me last week, “Why in the world would you share something so personal?” I told that person, “This newsletter, and my honesty in it, is truly something I am called to do.” Sometimes it is very uncomfortable for me, and that is a price I am willing to pay for any good that can come from the message. It is also tremendously rewarding when my message does touch someone and has a positive impact.
I have a quote on my vision board for 2020, “Strive not to be a success, but rather to be of value.” I’m not seeking an easy life. I’m seeking a meaningful life.
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