I've spent the last few weeks oscillating between anger, shame, tears, frustration and hope.

What started with the tragic end to George Floyd's life has become an opportunity for us all to look around and re-examine what we are seeing, and what we are thinking.

Whether you are ignited with a passion to make your voice heard, or a passion to sit down to (really) listen and learn, this has become a season of growth for all of us.

For some of us, including me, this is also creating an opportunity to hear things in a different way than we ever have before. While it feels right now like separation is at an all-time high, the door is being opened for us to usher in MORE connection and understanding than we've ever had with others.

In these times of change, while many of us cannot be physically together, I encourage you to ask yourself a few questions.

What are you doing to support those around you?

And what are they doing to support you?

Are you willing to put your learning hat on to see other perspectives?

What conversations about race are you having with others around you?

What can you do to help shift our current culture?

Maybe your part of the equation, like mine, is to look at the world through a lens that isn't the one you grew up with, and have some grace and forgiveness sprinkled into the mix as you do so. I personally have been grappling with the realization and shame of my own implicit biases.

The community we have built with and around LOTUS was designed to bring people from all walks of life together, because we know that this world is a more beautiful one when we have the company and support of others around us.

?Below, we've compiled some resources to help you navigate this time, and support others around you while you do. Please share these with your networks.

Sending lots of love and openness to difficult conversations during these times.

Wendi Strom

A special thank you to Jill Eelkema of Western Care Partners, and Jamie Sarche of Feldman Mortuary for assisting with putting together the words and resources in this newsletter.

White Fragility, a book by Robin DiAngelo

https://www.refinery29.com/en-us/why-are-white-people-so-bad-at-talking-about-race

White Supremacy (Overt & Covert) (This article was incredibly eye opening for me)

https://radicaldiscipleship.net/2017/07/05/white-supremacy-overt-covert/

Your Black Colleagues May Look Like They’re Okay — Chances Are They’re Not

https://www.refinery29.com/en-us/2020/05/9841376/black-trauma-george-floyd-dear-white-people

7 Virtual Mental Health Resources Supporting Black People Right Now

https://www.bonappetit.com/story/virtual-mental-health-resources

Want more? See here for an in-depth Anti-Racism Resource List. https://docs.google.com/document/d/1S5uckFHCA_XZkxG0Zg5U4GQGbY_RklZARwu43fqJH0E/preview?pru=AAABcr3EkJk*2QY_yv7lDoPJ284dHUUo4Q