We live in challenging times and we want to do our part to make the world better. That's why we offer special rates for charities and other nonprofits helping people around the world. During this time where too many are espousing ideologies filled with hate, we're reminded of the wise words of Martin Luther King:
"Darkness cannot drive out darkness; only light can do that. Hate cannot drive out hate; only love can do that."
While watching the Black Lives Matter protests across the country and hearing more about the injustices faces by black people and others of color, I wondered what I could do. I happened to be speaking to one of our clients of color and we had a heart to heart. I asked about her experience. She told me about how she has to teach her kids about racism and how others might view them differently because of the color of their skin and how especially her son, who is now a toddler, would need to be extra careful around the police when he grows up. I was grateful she took the time to share her experience. I asked her what I could do. Her advice was simple:
"Teach your kids."
Later that night during dinner, I talked to my kids about the protests, the history of black people in this country, why people are angry, and how we need to do a better job loving and supporting those who are marginalized. Having the conversation with my kids was just a drop in the bucket to the larger problem, but I was grateful for the chance to speak to my client (someone I consider a friend after more than a year of working together) to hear her story. It's my hope that as we listen to the stories of others who are different, we'll have increased empathy and love for one another. And perhaps with that love, we can stomp out the hate that still fills too many hearts. Or at least raise a generation who will continue marching forward with the change our country still needs. Where we can truly live with "liberty and justice for all."