Freedom Friday

“Hope allows us to push forward, even when the truth is distorted by the people in power. It allows us to stand up when they tell us to sit down, and to speak when they say be quiet.”

-Bryan Stevenson Just Mercy

How does the quote above resonate with you?

Pause here for a moment and free yourself from distractions:

Take a deep breath in... exhale slowly... deep breath in... exhale slowly... deep breath in... exhale slowly... calm your mind and be present...

The past few days, fueled with premium energy, have produced the space for many of us to release some emotions that have been bottled up for a long time. Despite reports of unfairness, exhibitions of brutality and hate in the hearts of some, many peaceful protests happened. People from many different cities, from states across the country and continents around the world united in the name of liberty and justice for all. George Floyd did not die in vain. His death reignited a domino effect of change needed as we move forward in pursuit of equal justice.. We can't loose hope. Let hope continue to fuel your flame.

The movie Just Mercy, about civil rights defense attorney Bryan Stevenson (Played by Michael B. Jordan) and his crusade to free falsely accused death row prisoner Walter McMillian (Played by Jamie Fox) is the perfect illustration of the power of hope.

What do you hope for?

...think about that for a moment... what do you want to see happen?

hope | noun a feeling of expectation and desire for a certain thing to happen

justice | noun just behavior or treatment. the quality of being fair and reasonable. the administration of the law or authority in maintaining this.

mercy | noun compassion or forgiveness shown toward someone whom it is within one's power to punish or harm.

grace | noun courteous goodwill.

So we can breathe again:

May hope continue to fuel your fire... may justice be administered with equal fairness, by all those in authority required to do so... and may mercy and grace be granted to those with righteous hearts who continue in the struggle.

“If we can look at ourselves closely, and honestly, I believe we will see that we all need justice. We all need mercy. And perhaps, we all need some measure of unmerited grace.”

-Bryan Stevenson, Just Mercy

Freedom Friday Challenge: Movie Might with Family and friends

Just Mercy staring Michel B Jordan and Jamie Fox is being made available by Warner Bros. to rent for free during the month of June on all digital platforms:

• Let's do this! Take time to breathe, refuel and refocus

• Schedule a viewing

• Pop some popcorn, pull out your favorite snacks make your favorite drink

• Watch this true story with the entire family. It's sure to spark some good conversation and remind us, we each possess the power to change things... if we believe.

Don't miss your opportunity. Be intentional, encourage others to do the same and watch what happens.

You got this!

Coach Tavia