Daily Archives: November 25, 2014

Small Talk

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Today I tried to make a difference.

Although I can’t change society as a whole, I can take small steps. With social media, very few people have in person conversations. How can we start to understand people if we don’t take time to communicate?

This morning Liliana and I went to Target. In addition to buying half of the store, we stopped and had conversations with complete strangers.

*We talked with a mother of a two-year-old boy about how easy Christmas is for kids this young. Her son got restless and I instantly thought of Maximus.

*We talked with a man about how hard it is to ‘drive’ those Target carts through those narrow aisles.

*We met a mother of a five-month-old. We stood trying to decode the Target discount that made no sense and talked about the ‘mom uniform’ of leggings and a sweater.

*We talked with the woman who checked us out. She unfortunately has to work Thanksgiving evening and turn around to return to work Friday morning.

*We talked with a couple in the parking lot who loved Liliana’s hat and volunteered to take our cart back.

These people were of all races and ages. We didn’t target any of them to communication with. But, as our paths crossed, a welcoming conversation ensued. We have to start getting to know each other and realize how many commonalities we each have.

These conversations may have not been life changing, but it definitely made my shopping experience more enjoyable and we both left with a smile.

As you’re out and about these holidays, take time and say hello to the person next to you. Wish the people behind the register a happy holiday season. Help someone in need. One small gesture on your behalf could be a hidden blessing in the life of someone else.

America Lost Last Night

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America lost last night.

I have never seen so many racist and rude comments about the actual situation and personal attacks on those who disagree with each other as I did on social media yesterday and today.

In my opinion, there is a terrifying circle of violence occurring and I’m not sure how to make it cease. Unfortunately in today’s society, it seems that if someone is in a confrontational situation with a black male, it is considered acceptable not only to harm him, but to kill him. Even if he isn’t armed. Even if he didn’t initiate it. To me that’s terrifying. I look at my husband and son and pray they are never in that type of situation. I pray that people will erase their fear and instead see potential and passion in the hearts of these boys and men.

It’s equally terrifying that we have a society of people who feel very unvalued, oppressed and unheard. While their actions of looting are not excusable, it’s apparent they are calling out for help and change and unsure of how to do it. As horrific and embarrassing as their actions are, as threatening as they may seem, they are not going out killing people. They do not deserve to be killed. How do we help them feel valued as citizens with equal rights, protection and opportunity as others?

Anyone who says that racism does not exist in the “United” States of America, needs to wake up. It’s here and there’s no current working solution to help it improve. Hate is clear and present. I am truly blessed to have a diverse group of friends throughout the nation, but we ALL have a long way to go. Is it possible for us to heal – together?