We All Belong.

Recently I took a deep dive into the humanity that surrounds me. At the Juneteenth celebration I heard a Black spoken word artist tell the lynching of Mary Turner. I had never heard of this shocking cruelty. There are so many ugly moments buried in our history. Racism is the insane result of human ignorance. Bringing light to the darkness and holding memories in Love lead us to transformation.

I also learned a bit more about a new friend’s struggle. She lives where many chose to ignore the pain brought to her Jewish family by unkind ignorance. A photo of teenage males with arms raised in Nazi salute was given a pass by many. Excuses do not erase the fear of underlying hate.

The final blow of humanity gone mad was a story about a woman in Texas who tried to drown a three-year-old Palestinian child. The assailant declared the child doesn’t belong here. I have dear friends, whose children are half Palestinian. I have listened to them as they reckon with the derangement of hatred that knows no boundaries and the ignorance of uncaring that surrounds us. Note to the ignorant: We All Belong.

But here is the sweet truth of it. The Black poet is using his artistry to heal himself and everyone he touches. For him, Love is the sacred key that releases the darkness.

And my new friend and her family, chose to not run away, but sought comfort and allegiance in the diversity of people who have also felt exclusion and prefer community. 

And while my friends are facing the stark reality of Palestinian isolation and fear, they are simultaneously finding their voice and their strength to prevail. May a community of goodwill continue to surround them.

I have no doubt they will all chose humanity over hatred. I’m proud to know them all. In any way that I can I’ll help dispel the ignorance of separation that torments humankind. I suggest we all do the same.

Whether we like it or not we share this fragile and exquisite planet for a brief moment in time.

May Love Prevail.

And while we are still in Pride Month, I want to extend my forgiveness to those people who friend me on Facebook, but attack Queer love and lives on that medium. Whatever ignorance you harbor about diversity does not come from God. Not yours or anyone else’s. There is One Love and it manifests in many forms. Now, please forgive yourself and lets move on.