Just Cause

I’ve always loved words, which is one of the reasons I named my company Wordplay. I knew that depending on how you said certain things or the punctuation you used, could change the meaning of the exact same words. Just cause for instance could mean, just because. It could also mean a righteous pursuit or justified reason. We all seem right in our own eyes. We can always justify our actions.

After watching, “When They See Us,” I can see how everyone felt justified, yet it wasn’t true justice. Everyone had their reasons. Everyone had their excuses. Everyone had their perspectives and their biases. Personal motivation is a dangerous thing, and so is self preservation. We never really know what we will and won’t do until we find our backs against the wall. This is why it is so important not to judge, because everyone has just cause in our own minds.

Neutral

Revelation 3:15-16 "I know your works: you are neither cold nor hot. Would that you were either cold or hot! So, because you are lukewarm, and neither hot nor cold, I will spit you out of my mouth."

I've only put my car in neutral when I needed my car to be towed. I've only used that gear when I wanted to relinquish control of my vehicle to another party. Many of us live our lives in neutral. We don't pass go. We don't stay parked. We just exist. We give others the reins. We give others permission to say and do as they wish concerning our lives. We give away our power when we remain in neutral. We are lukewarm when we are undecided. We are lukewarm when we are not passionate. We are lukewarm when we feel defeated. We are lukewarm when we watch injustice in silence. We are lukewarm when we are neutral. 

Just

To be just has taken on a drastically different meaning since I have gotten married. It is no longer about who's wrong or who's right. Fair is no longer the moral standard. Compromise supersedes fairness. Humility trumps being right. Silence in some cases has become my portion. God is my judge and prayer is the jury. To be just is not just about justice, but inclusive of God's grace and mercy. Thank God that we do not have to suffer all of the consequences of our actions. Thank God for the grace of God. Thank God that he is just and forgiving, and merciful, and mindful.

Justice

It seems that the old adage, "what happens in the dark will come to light," is ringing true now more than ever. The past indiscretions of Hollywood executives, politicians, and other men in power is finally coming into the light. Women are coming forward about things that had been brushed under rugs and whispered about in back rooms. They are not just living their truth, but telling it as well. I applaud their efforts, but I wonder if they will ever have justice. I wonder if a slap on the wrist in an all boy's club will be enough. What does justice look like for these women?What does justice look like for the victims that never made headlines? What does justice look like for all the colored girls who considered suicide? What does justice look like for victims long buried?  
 

"I'm for truth, no matter who tells it. I'm for justice, no matter who it's for or against."- Malcolm X

Good Morning!

When I was in New York, I noticed that everyone was in a rush. People didn't make eye contact. Strangers did not smile and say, "Good Morning." I missed the South. I missed the hospitality. I missed the overt racism. I missed knowing who was friend or foe. Just that simple gesture let me know who recognized that it is a "good morning" simply because we were alive, and someone else isn't. This morning is an opportunity to right yesterday's wrongs. "Good Morning" is a reminder that no matter what happens, it will still work out for your good. "Good Morning" is a reminder of what your expectation should be for the rest of your day. Good morning people, and have a great day!