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Words.

Please just don't be silent.
Say something.
This message on repeat over and over again in my mind.
But caution.
Be ever so careful about the words you say.
Words hold power.
They can light a fire.
Or put one out.

I'm a white girl who is learning to shut up.
Shutting up enough to listen to my brothers and sisters of color.
Dear image bearers of the very same God I serve.
They are clearly not okay.
Years of pain and suffering has brought us here.
Many now being filmed for the world to see,
Adding salt on open wounds.

But I'm living in safe space.
What can I possibly add to the conversation
I don't live in fear because of the color of my skin
Or the shiny badge that I wear.
I'm privileged that my son's motives will never be questioned just because of his color.
But also I don't shoulder the burden of sending my husband out the door in uniform
Praying he returns home to be a dad.
Maybe I should just listen and not respond,
Careful not to make an enemy.
Lots of divisions being made.
Lines being drawn in the sand.

But maybe if we listen more
Getting out of our safe space to sit with differences
We will see more clearly
And be moved to speak up.
Not speaking from our own experience 
But from hearts of love and with empathy in our eyes
Seeking to understand 
Rather than make excuses.

I'm a safe white girl.
Learning when to shut up
And when to speak louder.
Always asking the Lord for wisdom,
To give me the right words for such a time as this.

Words to light a fire------
A fire in the hearts for those sitting with me in safety.

Words that put out fires-----
While I stand beside them moved to speak up.

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