Like many others, I’m trying to understand what’s going on in our nation.
As a person who has been on both sides of the thin blue line (stopped over 50 times in my youth and a 30-year career in criminal justice) it’s not difficult to understand how wounds fester and people get frustrated and beyond.
But to sniper kill police officers during a peaceful demonstration can never be the answer to an already wounded community and nation.
To empathize with police officers and other law enforcement doesn’t mean we don’t empathize with peaceful Black Lives Matter protests.
To take a stand for one doesn’t mean you can’t take a stand for the other. One can be “pro cop” and “pro black lives matter.” It doesn’t have to be “either/or.”
One part of me understands the frustrations, the other part is sickened; the whole of me feels that the fear and worry will separate us more, but it is at this precise moment that we have to create hope.
I want to share this video which shone a light on an otherwise sorrowful week. This occurred after an interfaith prayer service in Dallas on July 8th. This YouTube video is from the Free Hugs Project.
We have to address systemic racism.
We have to find a way to work towards community and peace.
I don’t have the answer on “How” to do this but I know it can be done and it starts with individuals.
It won’t be easy but it will be worth stepping towards hope.
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