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.