There is a lot going on in our world as a result of racism that has been swept under the rug for far too long. It breaks my heart that it took for another INNOCENT Black life for the world to sound the alarm and declare that enough is enough! For some, you may be speechless, numb, drained, angry, confused, or filled with fear. Whatever emotion or emotions you are experiencing at the moment, I want to assure you that you have every right to feel the way you do. I cannot tell you nor can anyone tell you to get over something that directly impacts you. However, I strongly urge you to speak with a mentor, an adult that you trust or mental health provider to assist you with processing the feelings you are experiencing because internalizing trauma is not good for your mental, physical, emotional, and spiritual health.
The senseless killings of Black men and women and inaccurate depictions of Black men and women have become a norm that must immediately change! With that said, that change not only comes from a legislative, educational, and economical level but it comes from a you-level. Yes, you! As cliche as this may sound, you are truly the future and the preparation for a brighter and in this case, more equal one, begins now.
So I urge you to not dim your light, stay silent with your questions, or lessen your greatness because you do not want to come off as "doing the most" during this time. The new cool is walking in the identity that God birthed you with. He has called for you to be the head and no longer the tail, the lender, and no longer the borrower, a future business owner, a future author, a change agent, someone's 'How-To' book and so much more. God thinks very highly of you and this is the time for the world to witness why.
The world needs your gifts, talents, questions, ideas, prayers, knowledge, wisdom, and motivation at this hour. Just because you are young, does not mean that you are disqualified or not credible enough to launch that idea that only you and God know about. With this in mind, do not allow fear to be your seat belt anymore. You have the freedom and the backing of Black people and allies to move freely in your calling. We have your back and most importantly, God does. Jeremiah 29:11 says, For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. There is a future attached to your name and while some media outlets want to talk you out of it, this post is meant to remind you of it.
All things considered, never forget that you matter in this world. Despite the craziness and ruthless things that you are witnessing, it is critical that you believe, understand, and grasp the fact that you can make an actual difference in the world. All you have to do is give God your yes and couple it with faith (Matthew 17:20) as "small as a mustard seed" and you will begin to see your mountains moved. Most importantly, do not allow this quarantine to trick you into believing that God has quarantined your future because as difficult as 2020 may have been; the year is not over yet!