A Reflection on Day 35’s “What Are We Willing To Look At?”


https://ignatiansolidarity.net/blog/2021/03/23/willing-to-look-at/


We have a sign in our Florida condo that says, “Blessed.” It serves as both decoration and declaration. It blends nicely with our Florida decor (sans flamingos!) but also acknowledges our gratitude for the many blessings we try not to take for granted. 

Yet, this little sign prickles. It prickles because it is a constant reminder of the disparity between my abundance and the scarcity and suffering experienced by so many of my brothers and sisters. 

What did I do to deserve my advantages? Some would say good fortune and hard work. What I have come to learn is that much of my well-being is due to my white privilege. Being white gave me a head-start right out of the gate. 

How do I respond to the prickle caused by that sweet little sign? I try not to look away. I wrestle with the tension. I acknowledge that racism still enslaves our people; I continue to educate myself and others; I try to support initiatives that address the wide racial, health, educational, and economic disparities of our nation.  

And I meet regularly with like-minded parishioners at St. Augustine’s who share these concerns and together work at learning, growing, and taking action.  

I hope that others will consider joining us!

Karen M.


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