Mothers I Stand with you....

Like every mother from the moment, I found I was pregnant I began to worry. I worried about how I would protect my kids. Would I be a good enough mother? Could I keep them safe? I feared that I would not be able to provide everything they needed. I was scared that my abundance of love would not be enough. I was always afraid. I was so focused on all the things that could go wrong, that I couldn't see the things that were going right. I often forgot to imagine all of the great possibilities. While what I worry about has slightly changed as they get older, I know that these worries will continue until I take my last breath. Even with all of my worries, I know that some mothers worry way more than I could ever comprehend.

You see, my children are white. They were born with privilege. It is a privilege that no amount of education or money can buy.  Their skin color will afford them more than they will ever comprehend. I will try my hardest to make sure they understand the privilege that they have. Although how can one truly comprehend that their skin color alone protects them from so much hatred? I have talked to them since they were very small about equality. We have discussed the oppression that so many endure on a daily basis.

To the mothers with children of color, I am so sorry. I will never say that I understand your fear and pain. I could never understand! Saying I do, only negates your feelings. I have fear, but it will never compare to the fear you have because my children are white. Sadly, I know that my children are viewed differently than yours. My kids can complain about the injustices in this country without being told to go back where they came from, despite being the children of an immigrant. When my kids stand outside of our home, they don't have to worry someone will call the police on them, because they don't look like they belong. My kids can walk through the store without someone assuming they are stealing. Most people won't see my son walking towards them and clutch their purse, or cross the street. They can play with toy guns. They can watch birds. They can barbecue in the park, and they can jog without fear. They can do these things because their skin color is not seen as a threat.

I am sorry that your beautiful children are seen as a threat. My heart breaks for you! I cry for your fear and pain. I will keep teaching my children that evil comes in many forms. We have police in our family and as friends, whom we greatly respect. I will teach them that the police are there to help them while making them understand that some police do not have the best interest at heart. I vow to you that I will continue to raise my children to speak up when they see something wrong. I will teach my children to acknowledge their privilege and implore them to use it for good. To use it to help others who endure prejudice of any kind. We will continue to stand up for other people's rights regardless of skin color, religion, or sexual identity. I will continue to have tough conversations with them. I will do my best to answer their questions and when I do not know the answers, I will reach out to you for guidance. I will not raise my children to be color blind. I don't want them pretending to not see our differences. I want them to see all of the beautiful colors God has created. I want them to acknowledge and embrace the beauty of those different from them.

I am not perfect, and I will falter, but I will continue to educate myself in hopes to make the world a better place for your grandchildren. One where your fears are less and your children's skin color will be seen for its beauty and not as a threat. Until then know that I see you, I hear you, and I stand with you.






Comments

  1. Powerful post, sister!
    Really amazing, moving work.

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  2. This is beautiful. Educating ourselves, the people around us and especially children will be the basis of changing this brutal reality. We are all equal no matter the skin color or where we came from! We can all do our part to make the world a better place. Thank you for sharing.
    Darina from daramiblog

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  3. Thank you so much for writing this! As a black mom I am thankful that you acknowledged that you dont understand but that you hurt for us! Continue to raise your children to love everyone no matter the color of their skin.

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  4. Thank you for this! Glad to see your point of view when it comes to race and skin color. We are all in this together!

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  5. Beautiful inspiring and encouraging post! Yes we can all make a difference if we care even a little! I have 2 similar posts on my blog; we need to spread the awareness- thank you for this heartfelt post!

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  6. Thank you for sharing this beautiful post. This sums up so many thoughts and feelings that I have also felt as a mom of privilege. I agree that we need to continue to educate ourselves and our kids and try to keep raising awareness.

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  7. As a black mom of two black boys thank you for your honesty and willingness to educate your children. This is a beautiful, beautiful post.

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  8. Thank you for writing a post that is full of brightess ,hope and encouragement for children or tomorrow..with you in this journey..!All the best!

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  9. i think this is very good so glad you took time to write it.

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  10. I think the most important thing to teach your children is to love EVERYONE for who they are.

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  11. Thank you for sharing your heart and words!

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