Now is the time to listen.

Listen to the pain. Listen to the lived experience. Listen to the calls to address injustice. And when I say “listen” I mean actually take the time to process the depth of what is being said instead of jumping in or talking over others who voices need to be heard. I understand that can be difficult. The things that are the most worthwhile in life usually are. 

I have had many, many opportunities – due to my privilege – to speak in many arenas and to be heard. There are so many brilliant minds, creative, generous, and great people who never have those opportunities.

It is not only long past time to listen, but it’s important that we do it with curiosity in order to discover all that is possible if we work together. We have been sadly oblivious.

And now, faced with a long history of overwhelming injustice that continues today, as well as a pandemic that is disproportionately devastating communities of color, we need to listen to those who have been silenced. We need to hear from those whose cries for help, for change, have been largely dismissed or ignored.

Lately I’ve been thinking about the International Space Station. I thought about how incredible it is that we as a species – the same species that constantly wages war on itself – have been able to create a place with a shared, peaceful purpose of learning and discovery.  

I watched the female U.S. astronaut lead a streaming tour of the space station: where they eat, how they sleep, the different labs that are helping us explore and understand our galaxy. She spoke to her colleagues in their language, and they responded in hers.

Their lives depend on each other. They trust each other.

There is a lot that needs to change in our world, and it requires us to trust one another. We can learn from this. I believe it is possible but we must listen with our hearts and our heads.

I stand and kneel with peaceful protesters. I am discouraged by those who use this as an opportunity to commit destructive acts, but reiterate that we cannot be distracted from or lose sight of the protesters’ message. I worry for all who aren’t protecting themselves from COVID-19 with masks, just as I worry for all who risk their well-being to demand justice and change.

But instead of just worrying, I choose to listen. I invite you to listen, as well.

*Barbara’s thoughts as written by Kate based on weekly (fascinating) conversations.