Minty was born into slavery but she was determined to be free. When she was 13 a blow to the head delivered by her master would cause her to have seizures and blackouts for the rest of her life. But Minty was determined. When she grew up, she changed her name to Harriet and then she escaped to freedom. Harriet Tubman not only freed herself, she returned to free hundreds more. And she eventually became a spy for the Union Army fighting to save the Union. Harriet Tubman loved her people and her country.
Rosa got tired. And when she was told to give up her seat on the bus to a white man she said no. She was arrested under the Jim Crow Laws that codified white supremacy. And that single act of non-violent resistance became the touchstone that guided the Civil Rights Movement. And it brought significant social, political, and legislative changes, moving this country closer to its founding principles…freedom and justice for all. Rosa Parks believed in America. She lived humbly… a seamstress. And was law-abiding until there were laws she could not abide.
Compassion is defined as an awareness of the suffering and misfortune of others and the willingness to do something about it. Non-violent resistance requires that we refuse to cooperate with unjust laws designed to oppress us. The courage and commitment that compelled Harriet and Rosa were not only their physical strength or intelligence. It was their care and concern for their people, their community. And they loved their country even when their country did not love them back… the force of compassion …the power of non-violence.
In our current “might make right” culture, we often resort to brute force to solve our problems and manage our conflicts. We practice slash-and-burn tactics designed to humiliate and denigrate each other. We fear each other. Because of our wrong ideas about us, we have come to believe that people are out for themselves, and we need to beware. And some people, we believe, should be feared because we have named them problem people. We say that the habits of compassion and non-violence are weaknesses manifested by those who are scared and cowardly.
But if you think about it. It requires great courage and discipline to not hit back when your worse instincts are telling you to. It takes deep wisdom and spiritual muscle to offer one’s self to the care and service of another. These habits require more than brute force that compels compliance. They are accomplished by the courage to be in love. They are gained through the experience of community and kinship. These things are hard, but these things are true and can heal us.
And even in these turbulent times, when it seems that our democracy is crumbling, there are those among us who embody these practices. They want a world guided by the force of compassion and the power of non-violence. And are willing to give their full measure of devotion.
This is US
· People from different racial backgrounds are gathering in the spirit of healing and reconciliation.
· Immigrants are being welcomed as citizens.
· Young people from all backgrounds are working to create a cleaner environment and a safer world.
· An avowed racist has changed her mind and becomes a friend.
· A family supports and embraces their transgender child.
· Someone unclenched their fist and extended a hand in friendship.
· Someone put down their gun when they could have fired it.
· A loving family took in a child who needed a home.
· Scores of teenagers and young adults peacefully take to the streets to call for an end to gun violence.
· There are political leaders who are ethical and care about the common good.
There are Harriets and Rosas... all shapes, sizes, and colors who want to leave a better world for those who come after us.
You Are Welcome Here.
Lutricia (Pat) Callair