In the wake of Ferguson, MO’s Grand Jury decision not to
indict a white police officer’s killing of a black teenager, residents
expressed their concerns. Whether police brutality or self defense, black young
men are in danger, aggravated by lack of accountability on too many sides. One
mother tearfully asked, “What am I to tell my son when he grows up?...You try
to have hope.” Another woman tearfully expressed a more universal need, “We just hope for one time that our lives
will matter; that somebody will see that our lives are valuable.” This latter plea speaks to the human motivation to be seen, to be recognized for who we are and
still be accepted.
As we gather around the Thanksgiving table with our
families of origin and the families we have made, may we take a break from
seeing what we expect and, instead, look anew from an other’s point of view, accepting
her or him just the way they are, and, hopefully, being accepted in return.
What might we be thankful for? That in the best of relationships we are loved, warts
and all.
Wishing a Happy Thanksgiving to you and yours.
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