Civil

The Civil War was prompted because of the enslavement of Black people. The Civil Rights movement was prompted because of legalized racial discrimination, segregation and disenfranchisement of Black people. Neither of these events were civil and the next historical event of our time will not be either. We are at a precipice of change in America. Things are shifting. Race relations are being called out on a global scale during a pandemic. The death of a Black man in America is having a worldwide ripple effect. We are being forced to address our deep rooted history of racism towards Black people. Racism is America's original sin. Racism is the real classism. Racism must be eradicated for us to truly be Civil.

Casualties

There will always be casualties. Unintentional hurt and damage caused by unforeseen and known circumstances. It is unavoidable.  Collateral damage is a part of the game. Translation: You can't make everyone happy. Everyone will not support your decisions. Everyone will not get it. People will disagree, and you will have to pick up the pieces and keep it moving. It's not personal. 

Civil

There are a lot of things that come to mind when you mention the word, “civil.” Civil Rights. Civil War. Civil Union. Civil Liberties. When I hear the word, “civil” I think of being courteous and polite. Then, I think of civil unions. It’s funny how the right to love is political. Who you love and how you love has been a source of contention for centuries. Yet, the very word “civil” means to be polite. Are we civil in our marriages? Are we civil in our politics? Are we civil in how we exercise our freedoms? Are we civil in how we practice our beliefs? Are we civil in how we express our love for each other? The root word of civilization is civil, and yet we struggle with basic rights and social interactions. What would happen if during this Christmas season, we actually practiced what we preached? What if we were civil in all of our human interactions? Food for thought.

More

There's more. I want more. I need more. I should be doing more. There's more to life than....What? What is that in us that can't appreciate the now? What is that in us that makes us think that what we have is not enough especially since there are people who live in unspeakable poverty. There are war-ravaged countries where combat is the norm. Don't get me wrong, there is nothing wrong with goals and dreams, but there needs to be some balance. We need to learn to appreciate what we have now. Sometimes, that promotion means less quality time with your family, but it does mean more money. Which one takes a priority in your life. Sometimes, what we want costs us more than we can afford...literally and figuratively. Ask yourself if your "more" is a blessing or a curse. Will it hinder or profit you in the long run? Sometimes, sacrifice is necessary for the greater good. Sometimes, you do need a bigger house or a bigger car. Sometimes, you do need a better job with better benefits. Sometimes, you absolutely do need more. Make sure you are seeking after the right "mores." Make sure you evaluate what "more" is going to really cost you, and if it's really worth it.