Last fall I wrote about having a beginner’s mindset. In that post (read it here) I discussed how we have to get comfortable with being uncomfortable in order to grow; how we must stay open to new paths and new ways of doing things in order to reach our fullest potential.
Today I did something new for me, new and scary.
I protested for Black Lives Matter. I protested for America. And no matter your location or political leanings, you can do it, too.
This isn’t new, I know. So many people across the nation are doing this. But I tell you, no one is doing it in my little town of Grangeville, Idaho. There aren’t really people of color here, I have seen two black people the whole time I have been here. We do have a lot of people who are not deterred or disgusted by the current commander in chief. Marching with a banner would probably not open any conversations.
A Facebook friend commented last week that he and his wife stood quietly for 8 minutes and 46 seconds. This struck my heart. I could not rest. Then I knew what to do. I don’t need banners, I don’t need any words.
I knelt in front of the county courthouse next to the flagpole. I knelt for 8 minutes and 46 seconds, then I stood and said the Pledge of Allegiance. That is all.
I admit, it was really scary to be kneeling all alone in front of the busiest spot in town. I prayed, I meditated, I practiced the Pledge like a mantra or a Hail Mary.
And I will do this every day for two weeks. I talked with the person in charge and got written permission. I invited her and everyone in the courthouse, “to take a few minutes to reflect on the promise we Americans made, whether implicit or explicit, to be one nation indivisible and to hold true that liberty and justice belongs to every person.”
I don’t have any pictures from today. There is no social media to get involved. I don’t even know what might come of this action. I do know that when I was finished, even through the discomfort of being a spectacle, there is finally a deeper peace in my heart that has not been there this past week.
I invite you to try it. Set your timer for 8:46 and kneel or sit in silence. Pray, if you do that, or meditate. And say the Pledge of Allegiance.
I pledge allegiance to the Flag of the United States of America,
And to the Republic for which it stands,
One Nation under God, indivisible,
With liberty and justice for all
One other thing. Double check your timer. Through my nervousness I accidentally set it for 8 hours and 46 minutes. After what seemed like a VERY LONG TIME I finally checked the timer. I had knelt for 20 minutes. Yeah. I am a goofball. Oh, and another thing, did you know the Pledge of Allegiance was initially written by a socialist? Funny, huh?
Susan, I applaud you, and I enjoyed reading your post very much. Our country has so much potential, we must change things to be ensure it’s available for all persons. Congratulations on doing something that was uncomfortable, but felt right for you; that’s a hard thing to do. I like to think that George Floyd looks down and appreciates your actions and convictions, and your determination to share them — I certainly do!