"Let's Breathe Together."

Note:  This was written shortly after George Floyd's passing. 

As I digest the events surrounding our country – our world – right now, I can’t help but pick up a few things; things that are rather obvious if we each stop, look inward and pay attention.

It isn’t coincidence that a relentless virus is penetrating our globe right now amidst the onslaught of protests over an innocent person’s horrific demise. Let’s stop and each examine the various parallels between the two. I don’t need to sit here and type them out; I think they are fairly visible to those who are willing to see.

Regardless of where we come from, we each breathe the same air; our bodies are made of the same organs and systems; we are exposed to the same viruses; we each experience the emotions that come with anger, grief and loss; we can each stand for what we believe in…the list goes on.

The unfathomable passing of George Floyd – our fellow American, our fellow brother, our fellow son, our fellow father, our fellow friend -has ripped off the scar to a wound that’s been ever-pervasive in our society since the dawning of man. That wound, now fresh and exposed once again, is bleeding with an inescapable urgency and thirst for the greater good among all. In order to penetrate the nucleus and enact the principles we’re begging for, each one of us has to find the answer within. Only from that point, can we extend it outward toward our communities, towns, cities, nations, universes and galaxies beyond. It. Starts. Within. Each. Of. Us.

What exactly is this? It’s the embedded love, innocence and pure goodness that we’re each born with. Many have grasped onto these attributes and have never let go. Sadly, for some, they lose sight of them as they become buried beneath the torments plaguing our world. However, if one searches hard enough, he or she will find the light emanating beneath the rubble. When this occurs, healing and change will take place. The light never turns its back on anyone. It’s a patient friend and ally – to us all. But we have to seek to find it.

“Isms” aren’t innate; they are taught. Until we recognize this, they will continue to be spread and engrained into the mind of society. Every single time the word “race” or “racism” is said, it’s powering the “ism” that continues to divide fellow man. Every single time we use the words, “white, black, purple or red” to describe someone, we are continuing to segregate instead of equalize.

George’s life matters – yes, I say that in present tense for a reason.

Sadly, history has taught us to divide and conquer. Until we all gather together to re-write the scripts of the past, we will sadly continue down the same path of ignorance. Over and over. But we must do this with positivity and responsibility; it must be done with dignity and grace, not with revolting disgust.

Let’s honor George’s life and legacy by finally quenching society’s thirst for equity, respect, empathy and understanding. In order to love and respect our fellow human beings, we must first learn to love and respect ourselves.

Let’s give needed oxygen to brotherhood. Let’s turn “I can’t breathe,” into “I can breathe. We can breathe, together.”

George, as your undying legacy infuses among us all, your soul rests in eternal light, love and peace.

Nicole Strickland