BLM- A Way of Life

(originally written Nov 2014)

I’d like to share my reflection on the three words “Black Lives Matter.”

Black lives don’t only matter when there’s been an injustice. Black lives matter every day, and all lives. This includes the parent you begrudgingly don’t talk to (his/her life matters), the man walking with his pants down to his ankles (his life matters), the pregnant teen you judged as she walked by, (her/their life matters), the men and women experiencing homelessness who beg for change (their lives matter), the youth who act out in various ways in our community (their lives matter). You know who else’s Black life matters? The Black man you’re dating who is married to a Black woman- both of their lives matter. Their peace should be protected and respected.  

Most importantly, YOUR life matters. What are you consuming: How do you eat? What are you watching on television, or listening to on the radio? How are you spending/saving/investing your money? Do you have a spiritual practice? Are your thoughts more constructive or destructive? Do you really love yourself? How are you taking care of yourself, your family and your community...proactively (not retroactively)? 

Aside from all the angles this event can take us emotionally, in the end, I’d like us to internalize how much Black lives do matter. Keep us/yourself in your thoughts as you move in the world. Be an example. Treat yourselves and others with love and light. Train others to honor your life. Train yourself, and others, to know that Black Lives Matter. It’s not just a hashtag, sign or t-shirt. It’s a way of (preserving) life.