Like any other weekday, I went through my morning ritual of prayer and meditation, and then sat down with a cup of tea to check the morning headlines before starting my workday. The last few weeks had been quite heavy and intense with the numerous protests against racism and police brutality after the most recent killings of George Floyd, Breonna Taylor, and Ahmaud Arbery. As a black male, I saw myself in George and Ahmaud, and Breonna could have easily been a member of my family. With these events stacked on top of the COVID-19 virus wreaking economic havoc and social discord, along with provocative presidential tweets and the political rollercoaster of having national emergencies during an election year, I thought I was mentally prepared to see pretty much anything come through the news feed.
Tag: faith
Shame & Race in the Workplace & Beyond: When the Elephant Is Destroying the Room
Like any other weekday, I went through my morning ritual of prayer and meditation, and then sat down with a cup of tea to check the morning headlines before starting my workday. The last few weeks had been quite heavy and intense with the numerous protests against racism and police brutality after the most recent killings of George Floyd, Breonna Taylor, and Ahmaud Arbery. As a black male, I saw myself in George and Ahmaud, and Breonna could have easily been a member of my family. With these events stacked on top of the COVID-19 virus wreaking economic havoc and social discord, along with provocative presidential tweets and the political rollercoaster of having national emergencies during an election year, I thought I was mentally prepared to see pretty much anything come through the news feed.
If Even Kobe Can Die Young, What’s the Point?
Beyond being stunned, a sudden tragedy like this can trigger many confusing thoughts. Kobe had smoothly transitioned into his post-basketball career and seemed to be on the verge of matching or surpassing his on-the-court success off the court. He appeared to be much more at peace after basketball, and the radiant joy on his face when he was with his daughters was evidence of a man who loved being a father. Such an abrupt end to an incredibly successful and happy life brings to mind the question: Why? Why them? Why so soon? Why now, when life was going so well and Kobe was doing so many good things? If Kobe can have so many accomplishments and do so many positive things and then have them all cut short by sudden death, what hope is there for every-day people like us?
Poem: Regret
Regret Sometimes in my reflection I think, "Where did my promise go?" I'm miles and miles from measuring up To visions from long ago.