Due to a story cycling on social media, last night I found myself having to console one of my daughters as she tried not to completely succumb to fear. I spent about half an hour speaking life into her mind and heart and reminding her of her power.
Ironically, a few minutes before that, I’d taken a conscious moment to tune in to what was happening nationally with so many burdened by current events. And my heart was already leaning towards wanting to support those who were reeling from pain.
With so much happening right now, if we don’t get clear on how we can respond in a way that simultaneously meets our needs and the needs of the world, then we will all be overrun by grief and fear
Because regardless of what anyone says, we cannot be of service and we cannot live the lives we were intended to live, if we feel broken, worn and afraid.
So, how do we move through all of this? What do we do with everything that’s brewing right now? What do we do when a dozen things equally feel like the greatest challenge of our lives?
I’d first like to submit that our greatest challenge does not fall on the list of those things that are seemingly obvious. Our greatest challenge is much more subtle and easier to miss.
We think that our greatest challenge is surviving this pandemic and figuring out a way to work, create and live in the face of it.
We think that our greatest challenge is righting systems and structures that have fallen out of balance and failed us in countless ways.
We think that our greatest challenge is figuring out a way to live on this beautiful earth without depleting and destroying it.
We think that our greatest challenge is finding strong, conscious leaders we can trust to operate in the best interests of those they serve.
We think that our greatest challenge is creating a world that is just and fair for brown and black people, a world where we can exist with the same rights, freedoms and sense of safety and well-being that whites enjoy.
But our greatest challenge is none of these things.
Our greatest challenge is learning to hold space for all of the things that we care about in a way that does not demand that we surrender our peace and power.
Our greatest challenge is learning how to stand for a cause without having to live in a constant state of anger, grief and disbelief.
It’s possible to be moved but not mangled. Stirred but not shaken. Aware but not afraid.
Whether it’s fear of COVID-19 or fear for the lives and livelihood of black men, fear is fear and it robs the soul of who you are. Further, it prevents you from seeing possibilities that are available to you and renders you powerless to effect change.
This is a mountaintop moment. If you stay in the valley of fear, you will collapse from the weight of it all. But if you journey towards higher ground, you will be able to see things with greater clarity. For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind. — 2 Timothy 1:7
We don’t have to walk through this world cowering and afraid.
I will not spend my days worrying about my black girls and my black nieces and nephews. I will bless them and put their hands in the hand of the Creator and know that they will not have an encounter or experience that is not a part of their divine path. And at night, I will rest knowing that I serve them best when I hold them in the light of love, not in the shadows of fear.
I invite you to do the same thing that I do every single day. Sit with God for a while and ask, “In this moment, what is required of me? How can I serve without losing myself, my peace, my joy?”
Sit it down. Release the weightiness of every situation and thought that binds your mind and your heart and breathe.
Breathe, breathe and then breathe some more.
And as you breathe, allow your mind to settle down and regain its balance so your heart can then hear the guidance of your soul.
But don’t be surprised if your soul directs you to just be. Being an energetic mountain of peace is just as powerful as leading a revolution. They both have a place in what’s unfolding.
I rarely have anything to say publicly about anything these days, but you best believe that I am spiritually attuned to what is happening and doing my part to ensure that the world doesn’t completely tip over into fear. I am doing the quiet work that I have been called to do.
I’ve learned that I don’t have to assume the weight of this world to show my solidarity, support and love. I don’t have to walk with worry as my partner, to demonstrate that I care.
Even when my girls are hurt and suffering, I will not join them in their pain. Two hurting souls who feel hopeless will not move anything, let alone mountains.
So, when they are feeling weary and worn, I compassionately hold space for them to remember who they are and find their way back to their place of power. I did it last night as my daughter’s tears soaked my pajamas.
So, that’s all I’ve got today. These words have essentially written themselves.
It’s just my way of stopping through to remind you of who you are and the power that’s available to you.
As we call for the many beautiful souls who have lost their lives under tragic and horrific circumstances to Rest in Power, I just wanted to remind you to live in yours.
