“For such a time as this…”
Well friends, the day is here. The day we have waited for since Midterms 2018. Election Day 2020. I have been feeling so many feelings and trying to process my thoughts while not spiraling because elections remind me of my godfather. I distinctly remember him taking me to Springside (a school) to vote with him and sometimes lil’ me even got to hit the voting button even if I wasn’t supposed to. I remember how since he had three TV’s in his bedroom (yep), CNN was always on one of them. So here I am, decades later, in my own fight with my community to help our people get out the vote.
My timeline is full of anxiety, doubt, optimism… so many feelings. I’d be lying if I said I didn’t purposefully take a sleeping pill to go to bed because I was way too amped up and knew that I had a big day of volunteering ahead of me and I wanted to get in some solid rest. Then earlier today I took a walk and I can’t lie, I felt on edge. I don’t speak to people I pass on my walk unless they speak or wave to me first because I don’t know just what I’ll encounter. The voter intimidation tactics being displayed in Texas have been so wild that I have this invisible layer of armor on me. However, I have been thinking about a quote that Pastor #RealTalkKim said during her session on Instagram live on the first of November.
That thing that was taking you out is taking you FORWARD.
My intention over the past six weeks has been to channel the sadness and grief I feel into action. Sometimes I’m running around doing the absolute most and wonder how in the world I’m maintaining my stamina. I attribute it all to Big Homie and Jerry. Within DFWULYP alone we have:
collectively registered over 10,000 voters
Sent text messages to over 20,000 individuals through phone banking
Knocked on over 2,000 doors in the southern sector of Dallas
Hosted a statewide virtual voter protection training to prepare the community for Election Day
Activated 50 individuals to serve as Election Day clerks, judges, or volunteers
So, to say I am proud is an understatement. I’m also tired beyond a layer of belief and can’t wait to just take a nap on November 4. But when you’re busy doing #purposework, you get a layer of wind that you didn’t even know you possessed. I’ve been emerging from the furnace that has kept me all 2020 and after all, in order to make a diamond you have to add a lil’ bit of pressure. The scripture that will drive me as I get ready to hop into these volunteer streets is one my good friends Bemnet and Michelle often refer to-
“And who knows but that you have come to your royal position for such a time as this?” Esther 4:14
If you’re reading this, please say a prayer for me, our voters, our volunteers, workers, and everyone that’s on the front line fighting for justice. I’m doing my best to lean not on my own understanding but perhaps maybe there is some gold at the end of this rainbow. Be easy.
CJ
