As we celebrate the season of Pentecost may we all feel the wind rattle the walls of our isolation and fear…
so we find the freedom to be fully human and transform ourselves and our world.
Dear Colleagues and Friends, as many of you, I am feeling the deep pain of where we are as humanity.
With my dear friend, Brian Henderson, pastor of FBCD, we walked around the Capitol and the mall.
So many feelings erupted from my soul as we experienced the grief and rage of the protesters, had hard conversations, and saw physical wreckage.
When a group of those protesting went down on their knee for 8 minutes.. and signs held up with the words, “I cannot breathe,”
tears streamed down my face… and I felt my chest constrict.
I would like to hear from you. What are you thinking… doing… wanting to do?
Words from my experience… of “I Cannot Breathe” — diana j. flahive June 1, 2020
I Cannot Breathe….
Words that drain the breath out of my soul, as breath was drained from the life of George Floyd, and many others.
I Cannot Breathe…
When I feel the grief of our brothers and sisters as they live and die with continued injustice and inequality.
I Cannot Breathe…
When I see some of those who were called to protect and serve, end lives by using unauthorized force, fueled by their own disdain and fear.
I Cannot Breathe..
When I walk through our city and see the destruction caused by frustration, violence and rage.
I Cannot Breathe…
When the message of pain and change is overshadowed by those who choose to inflame.
I Cannot Breathe…
When I feel a sense of impotence, with my own white privilege.
I/we, together need to breathe new life into our lifeless body politic.
We need to be willing to breathe in fresh air to fill our hearts with the courage to tell the truth.
This truth might open up a space in our lungs for deeper breathing…to help us find the courage
to love, to transform, and to heal.
As Episcopal Bishop Michael Curry wrote, we need to have the courage to love so that …
- holy rage is channeled into concrete and powerful action.
- we vote for leaders who can bring productive reform.
- we have courage to protect the dignity of ALL.
- we stand up together and say “Enough!”
- this time we truly create the ideas of equality, liberty and justice for ALL LIVES…
May we all feel the wind rattle the walls of our isolation and fear…
so we find the freedom to be fully human and transform ourselves and our world.
Rev. Diana J. Flahive
Director CHUM and WHI–Women’s Homelessness Initiative
www.chumdenver.org
