I love the Lord with all my heart and know that He sits high on the throne, not looking down on us, but over us.  One can’t help but wonder, particularly as a woman of color, when will America see the beauty in our nation’s diversity. As a society established over 200 years ago through genocide and colonization, I would like to think that we have progressed to the point of embracing the diversity of our citizenry. 

As we hear calls for mass deportation what I see is fear in the faces of those who are concerned about the demographics of America changing.  Let’s be clear, people of color, are the global majority, but that isn’t the case in America specifically.  The desire to create a homogenous America is delusional as this nation hasn’t had just one demographic since the genocide of our indigenous brothers and sisters.

Fear is a hard emotion to address as it creates hostility, a lack of productive discourse and resentment.  What I want for Christmas is for America to have a raw conversation about what is taking place in society.  We as a nation are divided.  Our division is obvious to other countries and leaves us vulnerable.  What happened to One Nation Under God, Indivisible with Justice and Liberty for All?

What I want for Christmas is for people to feel safe, to be able to be authentic without fear, to show love to those who don’t look like them, and to be empathic, vulnerable, and loving to all our brothers and sisters. I want them to know that God made us all in his image and He doesn’t make mistakes.  We are all different for a reason; it creates beauty when fear is removed.

I learn from people who have had different life experiences than me.  Those who don’t look like me come from the same country as me, speak multiple languages, and have different customs. I love engaging and learning something new each day. My wish is for reconciliation, unity, and positivity.