Many people are hurting after this week’s Atlanta spa shootings. Not just the family members of the victims but our community of asian women who’s lives have taken on another level of fear. Fear that shouldn’t be theirs to carry.
No person deserves to die in such a way nor any community attacked for their race or sex. My heart aches for our asian friends and the thought that they may fear stepping outside today to take their children on a walk. For those of us that are strong enough to fight, it’s time to pick up our armor and stand beside our community. To open our ears and hearts to provide support wherever needed. Earlier this week Vice President Harris stated “A harm against any one of us is a harm against all of us”. A harm against any one of us women IS a harm against all of us. We are not meant to live in fear. And in seasons when fear robs those in our community of their freedom, it is up to those of us who are not frozen from the pain to step up and stand in front of those who are vulnerable. We are even stronger as women if we band together. Together, women have ended war. Literally, War.
I’ve seen many women speak out against this injustice and that’s a beautiful and necessary thing! But oftentimes there is a message that if you don’t publicly denounce this horrible event and fight, shame on you. What we need to remember is not every women is in a place that they can fight this battle. Some of our fellow women are doing everything they can to just get out of bed. Even the ones with hundreds of thousands of followers may be struggling so deeply that even hearing about something so devastating could send them into a spiral. We must have grace for others. If you have it in you to speak out, do it. If you are hurting and need to protect your heart and mind right now, we support you. There is no shame in where you are at. We are proud of you not matter where you are on your journey.
For those of us who have the energy and strength to take action, here are a few ways to do that:
If you have funds to donate:
If you want to learn more about how to support the Asian American + Pacific Islander Community:
Anti-racism Resource Guide - anti asian racism
Asian Mental Health support: