The River is Raging

Last night I was watching some news coverage of the shooting death of Renee Good by ICE agents. While I was watching this Karl snd Kai returned home. Kai caught some of the news coverage and said, "Mom, I'm scared. If I see ICE will they shoot. me too?" SIGH. Then later as I was tucking him into bed he said, "We have to stand up to people who don't see other people as people, but I am scared." We talked about how he should act if he is ever in a place where ICE agents are (alert, observe, and record if you are able). We talked about fear and how friends of his might be scared too. We ended with the standard (in our house) good night "I love you" followed by an "I love you more."

I wrestled hard with the fact that Kai was so aware of what is going on at the age of 11. I was scared of the future we are creating or allowing to be created for him at 12, 13, and beyond. I thought of all the friends and acquaintances I know for whom these feelings and fears are present 24/7, and of the others who I don't know. I fell asleep sad and frustrated, not knowing what I could do.

This morning I read this poem, that was shared by my dear friend Julie, and it was a small push back into the reality and call that I have, that we all have. The river is raging all around us and we may feel like it is going to swallow us up...instead that river is pushing forward, toward the justice we know is essential for ALL human beings. It is not an easy journey, so I give thanks that none of us do this alone. May we stand up and call for justice. May we speak up and call for love. May we join hands and step out to shine the light of love, the love that is in each of us.

You can find more works by Nikita Gill at: https://www.instagram.com/nikita_gill/?hl=en