Last year in the middle of the global COVID-19 pandemic and a peak in the Black Lives Matter movement, I published a post “Making Sense of What Matters” in response to the tragic deaths of Breonna Taylor, Ahmad Aubery, George Floyd and other members of the Black Community that lost their lives unjustly. That post was read more than any other since I launched this blog almost five years ago, and it continues to welcome the eyes of visitors. During that period I was reminded of the responsibility and importance of using my voice and my platform for good.

The emotional and empathetic woman I am is heartbroken by death of anyone for any reason - violence, cancer, COVID-19 and all the reasons people die. Hearing and reading about the news of the eight individuals who lost their lives on Tuesday, March 16, 2021 was no different. Facing the reality of hatred in our world is exhausting, and hard and uncomfortable. My thoughts and prayers are with the Asian, Asian American and Pacific Islander communities and the families, associates and loved-ones of Delaina Ashley Yaun, Paul Andre Michels, Xiaojie Tan, Daoyou Feng, Julie Park and Hyeon Jeon Park.


My experience during June of 2020 at peak of the Black Lives Matter movement and toward the center of the pandemic last year led to a wealth of knowledge and reflection that I’ve applied this week in the aftermath of the tragic shootings in Georgia this week. As a Christian, prayer is often the first response to problems I experience in my life and see or hear about in others’. I invite you to join me in prayer.

PRAY

• for everyone experiencing pain, trauma and loss due to the deaths of Delaina Ashley Yaun, Paul Andre Michels, Xiaojie Tan, Daoyou Feng, Julie Park and Hyeon Jeon Park.

• for a changed heart in individuals harboring hatred.

• for therapists and mental health professionals responding to the pain of those experiencing pain and loss.

• for individuals experiencing fear for their lives.

• for allies and advocates working to combat and end systemic hatred, injustice and systems of oppression.

Seeking God in prayer is always a great starting point. Although I believe Christ spoke the world into existence and performed miracles in and outside of the bible and he’s still able to today, I also believe that we must follow Jesus’ example and move beyond prayer into action. I’ve shared 13 additional ways to drive action below.

1. Check in on friends, families, coworkers and associates in the Asian American and Pacific Islander communities through notes, posts, calls and in-person or virtual gatherings.

2. Educate yourself through articles, books, trainings and other resources for personal and professional development.

3. Amplify and share stories and resources for learning and action, starting with these links.

4. Diversify your circles of influence - on and offline

5. Support AAPI-owned businesses year-round.

6. Reflect on your conscious or unconscious biases and potential contributions to or compliance in racism.

7. Be open to hard and uncomfortable conversations in your spheres of influence.

8. Engage in hard and uncomfortable conversations in your spheres of influence.

9. Work to change any recognized contributions or compliances to racism and conscious or unconscious biases with grace and patience.

10. Donate your time, money and/or resources to show support and join the fight against racism.

11. Call and write letters to elected officials and legislators.

12. Report suspicious activity or acts of violence.

13. Let love lead your thoughts, words, actions and your life.

“Let all that you do be done in love.”

1 Corinthians 16:14

One thing that helps me move past difficult experiences and periods of my life is knowing that as long as there’s breath in our lungs, life goes on. As we move forward together, I want to challenge you to implement at least two of the 14 actions above this week.  

Connect with me in the comments below or on social media @JASMINECTATE to share how you got involved in the movement to stop hate or if you have any thoughts or questions I can answer.

Hugs and Handshakes,
Jasmine C. Tate