“Last week, a kid rode beside me while I ran, yelling ”Chinatown!” Today, a 2nd one rode by and spat on me. I’m shocked because they were with their parents, who didn’t say anything. I’m even more ashamed because I didn’t either. One day, I hope to be courageous enough to.”
Aletheia Délivré, Twitter
Courage isn’t cursing the kids who act disgustingly.
Courage isn’t forcing lessons down kids’ throats whose parents could care less.
Courage isn’t on-demand TED Talks on why you shouldn’t spit on others or use derogatory language.
Courage is far more versatile than that.
Courage is breaking the cycle of hate and deploying actions of love.
Courage is careful reflection and the igniting of hard-to-have conversations.
Courage is transforming the pain of life into something that can be gifted to others.
Let’s not pigeonhole courage into a one-size-fits-all box.
Each of us should fight our battles utilizing the unique strengths that have been gifted to us.
Writing is how I fight mine. And I suspect Aletheia’s tweet sent out more waves of support and acceptance than anything she could’ve said or done in the heat of those above mentioned, disgusting moments.
Nothing can be said to the ears of those who don’t want to hear.
But, to the ears that do?
When the right message makes its way to the ocean of ears who do care, are willing to support a just cause, and have the conviction to unite and fight?
The result may very well match the might of the ocean herself.
And to you, Aletheia, who did absolutely nothing wrong, hold your head up high and keep fighting the good fight. You have nothing to be ashamed of and everything to look forward to. You’ll become better from this. And so, too, will the world.