By Theresa D. McClellan

It’s easy to be overwhelmed

when there is so much ugliness in the world

so easily within our reach;

the airwaves, the newspapers, at our fingertips.

Why is it so easily within our reach

and how much more horrible would it be if it were not?

We must always bring darkness to light.

But there is something else within our grasp.

Something inside of us that continues to build as we are

exposed

to yet one more atrocity, one more tragedy,  one more horror.

 When the atrocities are daily,

when the tragedy is consistent,

when the horror is so constant our mouths can no longer form the word, oh,

does it have the same impact?

Yes, it is easy to get overwhelmed.

There is just so much

that tears at our souls, at our hearts

if we allow ourselves to feel.

Sometimes it seems as if this world is not meant for those who feel.

We are told we are too sensitive

but it is the sensitivity that saves us

because we reach a point, many points actually,

and it continues to simmer until it becomes a boil,

a noise deep within that must come out and we say

no more

NO MORE

IT IS when we reach this point that change happens

that is why I am an optimist

I have seen so many ugly things in my lifetime

I’ve seen the evil  we can do

In the name of God

In the name of country

In the name of tradition

In the name of right

I have also seen the salve, the change, the reconstruct, the hope

This is why God gave us elbows.

to make room for all

to claim our space and to bring in those who have been denied

space.

There is room for all to be who we are meant to be

It is good to be overwhelmed

when we listen.

It is our body’s way of saying stop. Now.

Be still. Now

Rest. Now.

And gather the strength you will need

to wage peace.

This is why you are here

This is why I made you, for this time

For this moment.

When you will use your voice, your words, your bodies, your fingers, your money, your privilege, your heart

Too.

Change the story.

Challenge the narrative.

Reclaim the outcome.

There is room for all

But this time,

instead of leading with fear,

we lead with kindness and compassion.

We listen to one another

We respect one another

We grow one another

and those who thrive on fear

have no words

no one is listening

sound off

It’s why God gave us elbows.