Steps to Take to Support Black Lives Matter

I am going to be totally honest with you. This has been one of the most difficult posts to write. Funny for me I have always been good with words but lately they have been fleeting. For the last week I have been EXTREMELY overwhelmed with emotion. This picture doesn't even do justice to what is happening in my mind. I had a few emails and social media posts in que that were sent out automatically, but other than that I have been trying to process what I am feeling. I go from extreme sadness to overwhelm to anxiety to anger. I haven't slept more than 4 hours in any given day and I feel like I can't focus on ANYTHING.Being totally transparent.....trying to process this all feels UNBEARABLE. At the same time, I recognize that these are feelings that many of you are thinking and are likely trying to process as well. Earlier today I spent time answering so many questions about the unjustified murders to my two daughters and while we had these conversations before my heart broke because I could not make sense of it for them. I just listened to their cries, cried with them and PRAYED. I have made a commitment this season to pray like I never have before. I am praying for healing, I am praying for justice, I am praying for understanding, I am praying for forgiveness, I am praying for hope, I am praying for love and I am praying for peace.In my prayers one verse that continues to pop up is "Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not unto your own understanding" Proverbs 3:5. I even asked my daughters to memorize this verse specifically in this season. This verse is so powerful because while NONE of this makes sense to us and it hurts the Lord, He makes everything work together for the good of those who love Him and are called according to His purpose (Romans 8:28). I truly believe this that is why I felt led to post today. If you have been with me for some time you already know I am going to say first and foremost take some time for self care. THIS NEEDS TO BE A PRIORITY. For me I have committed to taking some time off of social media. For you it may look totally different. But ask yourself what is it that you need in this season? and don't just ask....honor what your body is telling you. Tomorrow evening I am going to be featured on a session with another coach for and the group has asked me for action strategies during this time.I want to share some with you. For those that are looking for creative ways to TAKE ACTION I want to share those here:• Talk to those who are seemingly insensitive during this time, but from a place of love.• Share what you’re feeling with a safe person (coach, counselor, trusted friend)•Journal your thoughts• Join friends and walk for what you believe in (I did last night)• Talk to your own family including children about what is happening and consider creative ideas to process (my 11year drew a beautiful picture as an outlet for her feelings and shared it on her you tube channel)• Recognize any of your own judgment, or bias, and be willing to make any shifts or changes• Consider donating to the Grassroots Law Project or signing this petition: https://www.change.org/p/mayor-jacob-frey-justice-for-george-floyd While these strategies are not a one and done each small step you take matters, but also know unless you first take care of yourself and your mental and emotional health it can be challenging to step in to help others.Take care of that first and know that I am praying for you during this season and will NOT stop. Sending nothing less than virtual love!