It's not just "my thing"

Since the decision I made last summer to get involved with this cause,  I have been thinking about this fundraiser, brainstorming and thinking of ideas. My closest friends have heard me talk about it, working through all the details.

One of these friends and I were having a conversation about politics and religion - (I know, I know, there supposed to be avoided but we love to debate and discuss). The topic of social justice got very heated. My friend and I were arguing over responsibility. We came to this conclusion that "this was my thing" therefore I can't really be upset if people do not jump on board.

Lately, I've been thinking about that conversation and mostly that conclusion. I have to say - I've since changed my mind.

Yes, "this is my thing." Meaning, this is the one cause I cannot turn a blind eye to. It breaks my heart, brings me to tears and stirs a righteous anger within me. It's my thing. I want to be involved, I want to see a change and I will actively pursue that.

It probably has something to do with being a woman. I have felt the fear of walking alone at night and heard stories of abuse that terrified me. I can't imagine something more terrible than being attacked and sexually assaulted, being violated in that way.

But I have to say justice should be everyone's thing. I'm positive if this was labeled an American issue or worse, happened to a loved one - wouldn't we rise up (like Liam Neeson's character in Taken) and fight for justice? I have three nieces and if someone hurt them; I'm pretty sure there is nothing I wouldn't do to restore, protect and receive justice for them!

I realize there are a lot of factors as to why people are not involved. Maybe they are unaware. Or do not know how to get involved. Maybe they don't ride a bike, own a bike or think they can't bike 14 miles (you can!).

We have a lot to be thankful for, yet doesn't it seem like we always focus on what we don't have?

I think I know what the answer is... Gratefulness.

When I take time to be grateful for all I have, I don't want as much and I want to give to those who don't have as much. Lately, I have been reminded over and over how easy it is to say thank you, but gratefulness is shown when we stop wanting and start giving.

How many times do we hear about how much we have to be thankful for because we live in America? Where we are free? Is it enough to be thankful for our own freedom and not care about others who are not only in slavery, but violate and abused?

Thousands of children will go to bed tonight after a long day of "work," making money for their oppressors, money they will never see. They go to bed without hope, knowing tomorrow will be the same - a long day of being raped and oftentimes abused.

I know it is harsh. But it is reality for many girls and boys. How can we ignore it?

What if no one stood up for women's rights? What if no one stood up for African Americans? What if everyone was too busy or apathetic to give energy, time or money to these causes? We have come so far as a nation because of people standing up to injustice. Why stop now?

So my new conclusion is that it's not just "my thing" - its "our thing" as free people we must speak up for those who can not speak for themselves. We may not be able to fight it on our own - but we should do what we can.

My professor shared this story with us about responsibility - I think it's safe to say it applies to fighting injustice as well...


This is a little story about four people named Everybody, Somebody, Anybody, and Nobody. 

There was an important job to be done and Everybody was sure that Somebody would do it. 

Anybody could have done it, but Nobody did it. 

Somebody got angry about that because it was Everybody's job. 

Everybody thought that Anybody could do it, but Nobody realized that Everybody wouldn't do it. 

It ended up that Everybody blamed Somebody when Nobody did what Anybody could have done.