All day I tried to write about #AltonSterling and #PhilandoCastile. I read dozens of articles and Beyonce’s call to action and I actually spent the evening with a retired NYPD cop. I always want to understand all sides and empathize. I always want to present things to my children in a way that is just. And fair. And true.
And all day I stumbled around the subject and could never really even begin to adequately explain or make sense of any of it. And even as my NYPD friend sat around my table with my kids, by the end of our “goodnights” there were five police officers shot dead and six wounded in my hometown of Dallas, Texas.
I am sickened. I am sorry. I am angry, hurt, disgusted, scared, and I don’t have any real wisdom or answers. I can’t begin to formulate a blog post that sums up any quippy response.
I am just…sorry. I am sorry that these deaths continue to pile up and that the hatred continues to spread. I am sorry that the anger and resentment and prejudices on both sides seem to only be growing stronger. I don’t have anything profound to offer except prayers on behalf of every loved one whose heart is broken because their child/husband/wife/brother/sister/mother/friend was killed.
#Dallas, and every life affected…I am praying for you. #BlueLivesMatter
To the loved ones of #AltonSterling and #PhilandoCastile … I am so very deeply sorry for your loss. #BlackLivesMatter
In the end, #AllLivesMatter.
Michelle Hays says
Lyette the divide sometimes feels unbridgeable. As, I watched the Dallas police proudly escort the peaceful protesters down Main Street yesterday evening, I felt the first glimmer of hope that the foundations of a bridge were being laid. It was clear to anyone watching that the marchers and police were united in the goal of the exercise of free speech by the protesters. Fifteen minutes later, two blocks from where I felt this glimmer of hope, 14 people were assassinated.
I am a mom like you who believes in teaching her children to consider all perspectives, to understand right from wrong and that judgment is reserved for a higher power. We moms need to band together to break the cycle. There has to be a way…
Lyette Reback says
Michelle, you and I should talk. There must be something we can say and do.
Virginia Futch Hansen says
We have power in prayer. Pray against evil….pray for boldness to share the truth.
Lyette Reback says
Did you see the police officers praying before they left for shoft? Powerful.
Lyette Reback says
I can see your point and yet I think that we can not dismiss either of these issues so easily. Even if abortion continues, we can not let that stop us from reaching out to our brothers and sisters inChrist who are truly torn up, fearful, angry, and hurt. We may not ever have a perfect order but we can choose love at every turn