Essay Written by Stacie J. Whitaker-HarrisOriginally published on June 7, 2020, and revised on January 8, 2025
I am amazed at how the first five months of 2020 vanished. We are almost halfway through the year! A year planned to be "the best year yet," for so many. However, while time may appear to be flying by or moving quickly for some, there are many others who feel trapped in a recurring time warp.
For me personally, the last few months have drained me emotionally and physically and even pulled on my spirit to the point of exhaustion. I entered 2020 full of hope, but on the 8th day of January, I came down with what I thought was the flu for almost 16 days. Then in February, I fell ill with what I thought was a virus for 3 days. If all of that was not enough, the world was hit with a global pandemic that shut down the United States and countries across the globe, left millions jobless, and throughout March, April, and May, I continued to struggle to breathe.
Despite the physical struggle to normalize my breath, I currently feel like the wind has been knocked out of me, and I am again struggling to breathe. This time my breath, or lack thereof, is linked to my emotional and spiritual state of existence. My breath is linked with the Floyd, Taylor, and Arbery, families. My breath is also linked to the countless others who have lost loved ones to police brutality, abuse of power, a system that is entrenched in hatred and oppression, and my breath is linked to the devastation that this pandemic is still having on those that I love.
What stands out as remarkable to me is that I am not the only one feeling this loss of breath. Much like the global pandemic, the world is being completely consumed by the same things that have captured my breath. We are breathing the same language; people across the world are saddened, angered, frustrated, overwhelmed, disappointed, fearful, and tired of the same false narratives. People are tired of the disparities that have lasted for centuries. People are tired of being silenced, unheard, and ignored. People are tired of being marginalized, labeled, and dismissed. And, people are certainly tired of watching black lives lie lifeless because someone abused the power and authority entrusted to them.
For the first time since the Civil Rights Movement, the entire world feels the weight of the most recent, egregious, and wicked acts of violence committed against black people. The unrest has led to protesters taking to the streets all over the world. After months of being stuck at home separated from family and friends, watching clusters of loved ones die and/or battle this worldwide virus, being laid off, and waiting far too long for government assistance (many still waiting on unemployment checks); people are mentally, emotionally, physically, financially and spiritually broken.
Today, I witnessed my hometown Baltimore, Maryland march in protest against the atrocities committed against not only George Floyd but they marched in protest against centuries of violent acts committed against black people. My heart was full of joy to see people from all walks of life singing We Shall Overcome. Even amidst the pain, shouts of joy and love rang out from the crowd as they marched together. Tears streamed down my face as I witnessed the outpouring of love and the desire for necessary change.
Typically, I end my messages with something encouraging and positive, but I am not sure that what I am about to share will encourage readers because the pain and anguish we are breathing together is real. I know this pain won't disappear without the work of everyone who is feeling the weight in the air that we breathe in as a collective across the globe. Still, as a Mother, Woman of God, Minister of the Gospel, and follower of Christ, it is my duty to simply plant the seed of healing and reconciliation to allow God to increase what was planted. My prayer is that these words take root.
Breathing the same language in this current climate of hostility and outrage requires repentance, open hearts, open ears, open eyes, and inclusion NOT tolerance! We are all God's children and should be treated with human dignity and respect. The word calls for us to love our neighbors NOT just Christian neighbors, but ALL neighbors despite race, creed, origin, religious affiliation, or ethnicity. We can no longer turn a blind eye to the plight of our neighbors. We must love them as we love ourselves!
Breathing the same language for me means listening to the still small voice of the Lord, studying his word, being quiet, and then sharing through the gifts of writing, singing, and creating open platforms for healing.
May the Lord lead you in the way of truth, peace, justice, and most importantly, LOVE!
Blessings of Love,
Stacie J. Whitaker-Harris
Notice/Disclaimer:
This essay is the original work of Stacie J. Whitaker-Harris and is protected by copyright law. Unauthorized reproduction, distribution, or use of this work in any form without the express written consent of the author is strictly prohibited.
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