Today is Juneteenth in America, now a federal holiday. As this day arrives and is celebrated, I am often amused and angered at how non African Americans often respond to it. Yet, I am never shocked. The comment sections are like a dumpster of hate, division, racism, prejudices, and biases. I do ponder how Latin Americans, Asian Americans, LGBTQ, and any other Americans deemed a minority, let anything fly out of their mouths. I expect this from some European/White Americans but, I often feel pity for those who don’t realize they are often discriminated, hated, as much as African Americans. I do often wonder where are the White Christians in these comment sections and are any of them participants in the hatred. I wish they would be so bold to preference their comment with, “As a Christian and European/White American, I too hate other races or I hate gay people or I think women are second class citizens.” I mean, shouldn’t you be so bold in your convictions?

Hatred, divisiveness, willful prejudices and biases are from a wicked heart enslaved to evil. You don’t have to agree with or to a person’s lifestyle, you don’t have to agree with a person’s choice of religion, but to HATE them is something else altogether. You can not agree with border issues but, how does that translate into HATRED? Prejudices? Willful biases? It has much to do with the mind and heart. The things people let roll out of their mouths come from the mind and heart.

I could tell you some fluff about how I feel but I won’t. People like this are never going away while some may change. We all may have some prejudices and biases and we should challenge them OFTEN. Is it true what your grandmother and grandfather told you? Is it true what your parents said in private about WHITE people or Hispanics? Is it true what your favorite politician says? And hell, why are they your favorite if they don’t mimic your heart or faith?

You would be surprised at how many call themselves “enlightened”, educated, well traveled, light workers, energy healers, spiritual teachers, and life coaches etc. and still harbor hatred, biases, and prejudices for certain groups of people. I’d like to know how you really feel about me before I come into your yoga studio, your reiki practice, your massage or spa, and your temple.

There is a scripture in the Bible that says, “The poor we will have with us always” and then another scripture that says, “The poor refuse instruction.” Maybe we were only thinking about social class and financial statuses. But l am thinking those who are poor in love, wisdom, light, forgiveness, are the ones that will remain with us always. They are the ones that refuse instructions to change.

~Nikki