Black Lives Matter (the story)

The next time you think about responding to “Black Lives Matter” with an “All Lives Matter” response, please consider the following story.

The Child

A child is seriously injured after being struck by a car in a crosswalk. You run out to give aid. While kneeling next to him, you shout out for help.

Nobody responds.

You yell louder. Over and over.

Finally, someone standing safely on the sidewalk, 100 feet away responds, “What about me? My life matters too!”

You turn your head towards the distant voice in disbelief. You respond, “Help me. This child is dying. Help me save his life.”

Again the stranger standing safely by herself yells back, “What about me? My life matters too. All lives matter.”

You’re stunned by what you hear. You respond, “Of course all lives matter. But right now, the child I’m holding in my arms is dying. Please help!”

At the same time, you look down and see the child’s lips move slightly. You put your ear closer to his face and hear him softly say, “I can’t breathe. Please help me.”

“I’m trying,” you respond, “I’m trying.”

___________

This isn’t a complicated situation unless you make it one. We all need to stop trying and start doing.

Yes, all lives matter. But right now, it’s the human beings lying face down in the street who need our help.

Stop talking, start listening, and start helping. Stop making excuses.

Let’s take this moment in history to right the wrong, fix the problem, and make things right.

#BlackLivesMatter