For Mamas

My daughter messaged me from Texas last night, concerned, wondering why she had not heard my voice on a subject so intensely personal to me specifically as well as to our family as a whole. She encouraged me to speak, so here I am.

I’ve been absent from social media, choosing quiet reflection over discussion in order to get a grip on my emotions during this time. Friends, I just couldn’t find words. I had to lay down my pen for a time. I’ve been grieving. Deep down in my soul. Over the loss of precious life, and the darkness in man.

After so long, what are we still doing here?

I cannot sleep at night without hearing George Floyd’s voice call, “Mama!” Friends, I’m serious. It keeps me awake at night. I think it is supposed to…

George, I hear you! This mama hears you!

Mamas, everywhere, you have the power to stop this. RISE MAMAS! You givers of life! You protectors! Eradicate institutionalized racism and dismantle systems of oppression one child at a time.

WOMAN, you hold the power of tomorrow at your breast. No system, no institution, no political affiliation, no army, not a single government in the world has more power than you.

RISE UP AND USE IT!