It’s Time We Became the Helpers
“When I was a boy and I would see scary things in the news, my mother would say to me, ‘Look for the helpers. You will always find people who are helping.’” –Fred Rogers
So how will I teach my kids, who are mixed, about race?
With honesty. I’ll share my story. I will tell them what’s not acceptable for someone to say & teach them how to educate back. We’re going to talk.
I didn’t have those tools growing up. I kept so much to myself. I never want my boys to feel like that. I don’t want them to “just let things roll off” their back.
I will tell teach them how to forgive those who never say they’re sorry.
Something I have learned is that forgiveness is for you, not the other person. Without forgiveness it’s like you are locking someone up in a jail cell where you’re the prison guard. You’re both trapped together.
I will show them the beauty in humanity—how to look for & become helpers.
I don’t have all the answers. I don’t know all the hurt. But I see 2 sets of brown eyes staring at me everyday full of hope. I will do everything in my power to keep that hope alive.
They, our children, are our hope. Let’s be the helpers they need to see.
