I Don't Know What to Say

Many of us have had some of the most challenging times navigating life, friendships, feelings and what to say or do these past two weeks.  I am referring to the response to the murder of George Floyd (for history sake + clarity). You may have already been active or interested in supporting systemic change in our country, or you might just be waking up to the inequity embedded in every aspect of our culture.

It seems like the confluence of events in America and the world in 2020 culminating with watching the murder of a black person at the hands of an authority figure on television combined with a response from our federal government suggesting that being upset with this will be met with more violence has shaken many of us to our very core.

The response has been swift and strong.  Things are being said and done that you might not like, or feel uncomfortable witnessing.  You might agree completely, or a little bit, or you might not even agree.  You might be afraid to agree.  Or you just might be afraid.  Possibly you are confused about all these things because it is the first time you are thinking about it.

You care deeply want to say something yet are stuck for a single thing to say. Possibly because you think it won’t help, it won’t be enough, you have no right to say anything, or you will make someone angry.

You do not have to say anything in order to be engaged in what’s happening.

Here are some options:

1.  Don’t say anything.  Ask questions instead. 
~Ask people you trust to tell you what they are thinking and feeling right now.
~Ask someone you don’t know to share their experience with you.
~Ask a friend how they are feeling right now.
~Ask someone in an organization, or a clergy person, or a leader in your community what they are doing in response to the what is happening in the world.
~Ask people in your family what is important to them.

2.  Don’t say anything.  Get some information.
~Read a book on racism in America.
~Watch films about racism in America.
~Get online and type in #blacklivesmatter and see what comes up.

3.  Don’t say anything.  Meditate.
~Maybe you have a strong meditation practice.  Invite in some wisdom.  Invite in some world peace.  
~If you are religious, pray for those who have experienced life in our country and others that has them consistently on edge and scared.  Maybe pray that we can find ways for them to get power in their world in ways that works for everyone.

4.  Don’t say anything.  Write.
~Write letters to people who have power in your community.
~Write emails and letters to your elected officials demanding that they support the rights of all people. 
~Write in your journal.

5.  Don’t say anything.  Volunteer.
~Offer your time to organizations that are serving the mission of creating a sustainable and just world.  

6.  Don’t say anything.  Donate.
~Do some research and offer financial support to organizations that are doing work that is inspiring to you.

If you don’t know what to say, please take a breath.  
You don’t have to say anything and can still be engaged in the conversation.