Lives don't matter when theyāre dead. Death is the great democratizer, and all men must die, but not at the hands of one another. I wonder about fear and how easy it can kill. I wonder why it has such a grip on us. What would it look like if fear didnāt exist? Maybe guns wouldnāt exist. Maybe race wouldnāt exist either. Skin color certainly would. Iām sure kids would still be as inquisitive in such a world. I could hear a little girl asking, āDad, why does that man have dark skin and I donāt?ā In that world, I could imagine her father saying, āHey sweet pea, that manās mom or dad, or both, have dark skin. Itās a gift from his parents.ā She would smile, and maybe even get envious of his gift. But she wouldnāt be afraid. Not of him nor the pigment of his skin. In such a world, maybe everyone would simply be called āhuman.ā But in ours, differences have names. Lives come in different colors, and fear is the ruling class. Racism exists. This is the truth we have to admit. From here, we can proceed towards a world where fear has no grip. But not before we admit to this. If #alllivesmatter, itās time to put weight behind these words. I am covered in calluses. I donāt want to watch another man shot due to the color of his skin. I donāt want to read about another man killed due to the occupation of his choosing. This cannot be what becomes normal. Each day, Iām picking at my hardened skin. I want to feel for themāmy brothers and sisters and the lives they lived. Because they mattered. Some wise, old guy told me once that history is in the hands of those who pray. And so, I pray this all ends. I pray for that world to comeāa world with no fear. I pray for love and understanding to be at the center of it. My heart breaks for those who have loved and lost. Your lives matter. Have peace in this, and know that you are loved. #fearhasnogrip #blacklivesmatter
jacobvanloon
kianamaiart
titsay
yousharknotpass
izzy806
blakekathryn