Martin Luther King Jr. reminds us that “our lives begin to end the day we become silent about things that matter.”
Today, I want to talk about something that all Women on Fire need to be aware of. And an issue I invite you to consider working to eliminate: racism and hate crimes.
In a Facebook post from our beloved and respected Women on Fire sister Sophfronia Scott, she told us about an unthinkable crime that was perpetrated against her brother, a U.S. Army veteran.
What you will see in this video below is how gracefully Wayne Scott responded to a disgraceful, revolting act of violence.
[VIDEO] https://www.facebook.com/AJStream/videos/929769950399958/?pnref=story
At the time his home was defaced and his safety violated, this kind and gentle man was out of town, taking care of his elderly mother. He served and was injured in Iraq and still copes with chronic physical pain.
I marvel at how he responded. I’m not sure I could muster the courage to be as forgiving as Wayne. Could you?
He certainly inspires as a role model for Dr. King’s great wisdom:
“Darkness cannot drive out darkness; only light can do that. Hate cannot drive out hate; only love can do that.”
This video was shared thousands of times on social media, and I personally received many public and private messages.
Some people were surprised these racist activities continue; others expressed fear and hopelessness; and nearly everyone asked what can be done.
Honestly? I don’t know.
But what I do know is that I am not going to remain silent.
And I hope you won’t either.
I stand with Wayne Scott.
And I stand with every single person who has been discriminated against for the color of their skin, their country of origin, their sexual orientation, or their religion.
It is shameful this goes on in the world. Enough already.
Secondly, I hope if this video moved you that you will simply share it with your family and friends by email or social media.
In doing so, you are saying that you too stand with Wayne Scott.
In a recent interview with Paul Costello of Stanford University, former President Jimmy Carter lamented that we have “let down our guard” after a feeling of accomplishment and self‑congratulations from the civil rights movement’s success.
He urged our government and society to “readdress” and correct these discriminatory issues and behavior. He concluded, “we have a long way to go to do away with the last vestiges of racial discrimination.”
And Dr. King left us wise counsel by telling us that the greatest tragedy is not “the strident clamor of the bad people, but the appalling silence of the good people.”
All the more reason to speak up today.
Thank you for being a force for good and for standing up to make this world better.
Love,
P.S. Please always feel free to share your comments below.
