I come to you today with a heavy heart-

The events of the past week have been a painful reminder.

The time for a real and lasting change is at hand. We have to have to conversations that are all to discomfiting- Both internally and externally.

Its time for life as we know it. The status Quo, to change. Systematic Racism must be dismantled. We can’t just be hollow cogs in a system of systematic racism and oppression. Life is about deeper connection. Deeper meaning for all. It's about equal human interaction and exchange.

And Most importantly- forming a deeper understand. It's about finding balance and creating harmony as the human community.

Its time we realistically acknowledge the very real and potentially life threatening struggle faced daily by People of Color. It's time we have the difficult and uncomfortable conversations about racism and white privilege.

Its beyond time that we truly address exactly what that struggle is.

How do we each perceive it? How do we each act in regards to it? How can we build more empathy towards the struggle of People of Color? Then share a greater understanding a responsibility to dismantle it.

We are taking a moment to pause. In acknowledgement and respect- of George Floyd, Breonna Taylor, Ahmaud Arbery, Sean Reed, Tony McDade and the many other People of Color who have lost their lives.

Who have struggled against the hands and feet of systematic racism and oppression-Simply because of the color of their skin.

We are taking some time to reflect, listen, then act- as we all should, about what truly matters in this life. We can not be silent, nor will I remain silent or inactive.

Black Lives Matter.

For now. We are taking time to listen. To be open, and engaging in a way that advocates for real, meaningful and lasting change. To be become a greater ally for People of Color.

Marginalized Individuals must carry the weight of their identity, shaped through oppression-every single day, for better or for worse.

As allies, we must come to understand that this is a weight that we, too-must be willing to carry and never put down.

I personally realize- there is much to learn and unlearn as a result.

I realize that it will be work and that mistakes may be made along the way towards creating a better future.

Because an ally might have more privilege-and recognizes said privilege, they are powerful voices alongside the voices of the oppressed.I come to you today,

To be a More Powerful Voice for Action and Change.

“If we want our children to grow up in a nation that lives up to its highest ideals, we can and must do better.”

Please visit the links in our show notes and stay tuned at thelightinside.us/make-change to discover more ways you can help create change for the future.

Guide to Allyship

Anti-Racism Resources

Campaign Zero

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The Loudest Lion Never Roars with John Beede