I watched Amiyrah Martin‘s video message yesterday and I cried.  Her words rang in my ear.  “We are dying out here.  Just say something.”

It’s not okay.  What’s happening in our country today is not okay.

Innocent men and women are losing their lives.  I hear mothers of toddlers fearful of what life will look like for their child in this country.  I hear mothers who are afraid for their sons-afraid for their sons who look taller, bigger, older than their age.  What if they don’t know you are only eleven?  I hear mothers who live in fear of their son’s walk, his voice or a gesture being mistaken as a threat.  What if they don’t hear how well-spoken you are? What if they don’t see the kindness on your face?  What if they don’t even give you a chance?  #blacklivesmatter

You guys, these are mothers with young, beautiful children who should not be weeping over the future of their children and yet they are, in this country.  In the home of the free and the brave. White privilege is a real thing and I sadly had not thought much about it until about 18 months ago.  Now, I can’t stop seeing it and grieving over it.

Let me just say, it’s been a beautiful first step to join with my sisters as we take steps to build a bridge.  I was so nervous before the first meeting, but you know one of the best places to connect is through the hardest bits of our lives-the pain, the things that make us vulnerable.

Take a first step towards someone who has skin of a different color. Invite them into your home.  You may be amazed.