From protest to brutal killings, this is not what Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. had in mind. The tragedy of two New York City cops losing their lives makes me question, "Where is the love?" Senseless crimes are destroying families and taking innocent lives, yet today we live in a society where many are hungry for change, but fail to realize we must first become the change we desire to see.
"Man must evolve for all human conflict a method which rejects revenge, aggression and retaliation. The foundation of such a method is love." - Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.
It's time that we pause and begin praying for our country, put prayer back in our schools, and support our community in its efforts to bring forth change. There are those that honestly want to protect and serve in our communities across the country and there are still many among us that fail to respect those in authority. I believe that not everyone is put in positions of power to serve honestly. Many choose positions of power because at some point or another they felt powerless. All cops aren't "pigs" and desire to bring change. Cops have families and each and every day many now fear they may never see their families again.
There are things cops see in the streets that they can't talk to their loved ones about which means they internalize a lot and therefore depression and other issues arise. They are just as human as you and I.
Police across the country need a strong support system from community activist and those they protect and serve every day. We all must show solidarity and come together to build strong communities for our families.
Many cops fail to say they need support for the issues they face because it may appear as a sign of weakness (pride) or that it may result in the loss of their jobs. Not only are they fighting a war in our streets, but for many they still have to go home and be a support to their families. Recently, someone lost a son, a brother, a husband, a father and a provider to someone that failed to become the change that's needed. What we need is love and together we can make this world a better place. We must pray for our men and that they don't allow their pride to destroy them.
"When pride and presumption walk before, shame and loss follow very closely."
- Louis XI
With all that is going on in the media it's not easy to keep your children from seeing it on the local news, radio, etc. Teach your children to respect those in authority and to walk in peace and love. Explain to them the reasons behind the protest and why it is so important that each and everyone is treated equally.
As we gather together for the Christmas Holiday remember the fallen officers that lost their lives and also those that have yet to see justice in the case of Eric Garner, Michael Brown and others we've seen and have not seen in the media. Let your love arise and may we continue to protest for change, peace and that all are treated equally. "All Lives Matter" and the violence against our brothers and sisters must cease.
"Darkness cannot drive out darkness: only light can do that. Hate cannot drive out hate: only love can do that." -Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.