FINDING ONE’S VOICE IN 2020

A series of essays....

CITY OF BALTIMORE IS BEING PRAISED FOR PEACEFUL PROTESTS

COURTESY OF WBFF



....as seen through my eyes!

By: Jacqueline E Hughes

I believe that one of the most difficult things to achieve as an adult is the act of finding your voice within this world, especially when so many others are attempting to drown out your voice with their own. 

To find one’s voice may be discovering your own distinctive style or vision of artistic expression. Expressing yourself within written words that can be enjoyed and appreciated by others may mean that you have found your voice as a writer. The joy of capturing selective moments in life by understanding the importance of light, reflection, angles, and shadows is taking the time to find your voice by perfecting the optimum use of a camera lens via photography. Many budding musical artists, writers attempt to find their voices by flocking to Nashville in the hope of redefining their lives and providing themselves with an inspirational key to uncovering personal music potential.

Let’s say that a shocking or frightening experience has shaken you to the core and it may take time for you to regain the ability to speak, find your voice, once again. 

Losing my voice during public recitation or speaking, even within smaller groups, because of extreme nervousness, will always plague me to a certain degree; at least until I feel more confident and comfortable within a given situation. You would think that at my age I would have outgrown this common fear years ago. Unfortunately, I have not. Maybe it’s my way of keeping myself on my toes, however, it can become quite infuriating at times.

This past Tuesday, yet another primary election day, more and more people were fighting to retain their voices by overpowering the blatant attempts of voter suppression that funneled voters through reduced numbers of polling places and locked the doors right at 6:00 o’clock. Pounding on the glass windows and doors, Kentucky voters were granted an additional half hour extension by a judge due to the pleas made by Charles Booker and Amy McGrath, the two Democratic Senatorial primary candidates.

Not only are voters working on finding their voices in a crazy, unlawful attempt at shutting down their Constitutional right to vote, but the candidates themselves are exercising a strong youthful attempt at finding their own voices within a sea of cheap Twitter endorsements. Madison Cawthorn, a 24-year-old (turning 25 in August) political newcomer, defeated Lynda Bennett, a realtor and President Trump's endorsed candidate, in the North Carolina GOP congressional primary for the seat vacated by the President's chief of staff, Mark Meadows. 

If elected in November, Cawthorn would become the youngest member in Congress, a title currently held by Democratic Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez of New York, now 30-years-old, who won on Tuesday and looks set to get some new progressive backup in New York’s congressional delegation next year. Youthful energy and ideas are flowing into Washington D.C. with each election, hopefully eradicating, or at least staunching, old ideas and bringing in new voices for bi-partisan collaboration in the future.

It’s time to talk Black Lives Matter, BLM, and what the importance of this movement means to all of us now that the White choke-hold on Black lives has reached a new level of notoriety and the Black communities are finding their voices in mass numbers. The work of deep-seated, sustainable change remains the hardest work there is. Systemic racism for centuries has, indeed, left an indelible mark on our society. I deeply believe that we must make the best of this opportunity, afforded us by the unabashed killing of a black man, to find our voices and fight for the rights of people of all races, colors, and with the ideals brought forth by the birth of this nation. 

We are moving forward and turning our baby steps into giant ones as more people are working together and marching peacefully forward in a joint, intellectual effort towards opening huge cracks in the wall that surrounds Blacks and the history of slavery in this country. For way too many people...it can be eye opening. Unfortunately, history textbooks are diluted and weak when it comes to depicting an accurate history of minority groups that have suffered the loss of identity and land, respect and life, along with their inalienable rights at the hands of our (their) own government.

Are we looking at a new era of progress? Or, will we be disappointed by the lack of empathy for others, once again? No one knows for sure. However, this time around feels different to me; more substantial, calculated, and hopeful with each peaceful protest march in so many cities and small towns across the country and with each verbal dispute against brute police force and acts of brutality, change is in the air. 

People are finding their own voice in 2020. We’re not hiding behind the shortcomings of our politicians or bypassing important opportunities to speak our hearts and minds. The movement to change what is wrong and make it right has definitely begun and I, for one, am looking forward to it with all the excitement and energy I can muster.

Please stay safe. Stay healthy. Wear your mask in public. Recognize the truth.

Copyright © 2020 by Jacqueline E Hughes

All rights reserved

A SENSE OF EQUALITY BETWEEN ALL LIVING THINGS

A series of essays....

LITTLE MAMA WITH HER HUNGRY CHICKS
HAPPY IN THEIR LOFTY HOME

....as seen through my eyes!

By: Jacqueline E Hughes

I awoke this morning to the sound of feathered wings lightly slapping on the outside of the house, about two feet up from where I lay my head down on the pillow each night. Not that the tapping was the cause for my early retreat from slumber; not at all. Actually, the gentleness of the sound was rather soothing and would surely put one to sleep in the first place. It was because I knew precisely what the sound was and how precious and meaningful it is in the grand scope and pattern of the continuation of life.

Last spring we observed a mother Robin making her home in the crook of our downspout at the corner of the living room picture window. What a mighty and persistent builder she was as she gathered materials from far and near to shape a nest worthy of a high ranking on an Architectural Digest list.

The entire time she created the magnificent structure that would eventually be used to hold her eggs during incubation until her tiny hatchlings were fledged, her dark eyes, circled by a broken white eye-ring, watched us with intense suspicion. After all, not every human or human’s structure is worthy of hosting such important guests! 

PROVENÇAL DREAMING

I always enjoyed my early routine of weeding the lavender garden that lives just below our Robin’s unique perch. The lavender scented morning air would create delicate layers of Provençal dreaming. The lingering fragrance may be what has helped draw the Robins back for another springtime venture at Chez Hughes! Anyway, my intense observation of her daily routine so near to me each day encouraged us to create a close bond. The secure sharing of maternal emotion surely brought us together as her fear of me gradually dissipated during the passing of time.

Initially, if she were in her nest working or, later, protecting her eggs, and we’d enter the front door, closing it behind us, she would swiftly fly away and lurk in the bushes around the corner until she felt all was clear and safe, once again. Soon, we were able to go in and out of the door without our lady Robin being fussed or distressed, even after her nest was filled with chirping, open-beaked offspring. 

MY FAVORITE READING SPOT

By the time her precious eggs had hatched and she was scrounging the side yard for food to feed her chicks, the friendship between us had grown tight and unbreakable. Her pecking and bobbing from several yards away soon turned into a matter of inches as she pranced her way over to the red bench that was positioned under the Japanese Red Maple tree and where I would sit and read in the dappled shade each afternoon. 

We would stare eye-to-eye for extended moments, silently speaking with one another under the graceful and elegant, reddish-purple leaves of this hardy little tree. “Has your busy day been productive, Little Mama? Hope everything is going well for your family and there’s enough to eat for everyone!” 

FORAGING FOR FOOD

SEEING EYE-TO-EYE AND COMMUNICATING
FACE-TO-FACE WITH ONE ANOTHER

In time, the spell was broken and Little Mama would retreat and continue to forage for insects and worms in order to feed her brood now chirping in the nest built high above such dangers as domestic cats, snakes, squirrels, and other birds. With any luck, the simple presence of human beings should be helpful in keeping many predators away from her chicks until the fledglings were able to fly short distances away from the cozy nest. “You have earned my trust. I am grateful for your company if it means making my babies safer. Keep weeding the lavender!” At least, that’s what I believe her side of our conversation would have been like.

When I didn’t see a Little Mama utilizing the sanctuary of our small accommodation above the downspout this season, it made me wonder why. Had we somehow failed in our duty as protector and confidant to her and other Robins choosing to share this lofty spot and willing to nest within human habitat?

Not until the mild slapping of Robin’s wings against the opposite corner of the front of the house this morning did I realize that a Little Mama had decided to move in down the block; into a different neighborhood but in the same part of town. 

I didn’t have to go check if my early morning theory was correct or not because I instinctively knew and understood what was happening on the other side of our bedroom wall. Despite COVID-19, isolation, the insanity in Washington D.C., the lack of being able to freely visit family and friends in person, the weight gain due to isolation, and every other reason we may have to be stressed-out and justifiably concerned, we are hosting important residents at our home again!

When the circle of life, or nature’s way of taking and giving back life to the earth, is broken, we lose the notion of totality, original perfection, eternity, and timelessness. The unbroken circle symbolizes the universe being sacred and devine and represents infinite nature of energy. If something dies, it gives new life to another. Our little feathered friend, or one of her offspring, has returned to us. This Little Mama will continue the important lesson of the continuity of life for the next generation to be able to understand how we are all connected and, no matter how big or small the circle is, it ends in the exact same way for all living things!

Stay safe. Stay healthy.

Copyright © 2020 by Jacqueline E Hughes

All rights reserved

REBIRTH: A PROCESS OF HEALING AND GROWTH

A series of essays....

“LIKE MIST ROLLING INTO A DREAM...“
MAGGIE VALLEY, NORTH CAROLINA

....as seen through my eyes!

By: Jacqueline E Hughes

“How can I begin anything new with all of yesterday in me?” —Leonard Cohen

Like mist rolling into a dream that gently wraps all thoughts, and each perspective within its opaque wisdom, life proceeds on a daily basis as we take baby steps along this abstract journey into the unknown. We struggle to stand, to walk, and to communicate with others while observIng and listenIng to their personal creation of the dance of life with each calculated breath that escapes their ruby-red lips.

We are infants morphing into our mature selves with so much exotic pain and exquisite joy accompanying our movements that we’ve been known to cry to the heavens either in shock or ecstasy at any given moment. During quieter days, we curl into ourselves and strategically fail to ask the question, “Why?” So deeply afraid of the answer, but with genuine appreciation for the minute respite, we know the realities of our yesterdays will ambush us once again, tomorrow.

All too swiftly, we become the adult form of our beautiful selves carrying the trappings of adulthood upon our shoulders like our Father once carried us, high above the snakes that slithered around his feet…making us feel tall and momentarily secure. Sadly, he let us down from that lofty place...in so many ways. Standing on our own, survival becomes imperative as we hopscotch our way between the serpents and manage incredible bites of sustenance in the form of hard work and play, coupled by profound moments of sweet, enduring love. Lovers, spouse, children, grandchildren line-up to create this undeniable bond of such magnitude and strength, we find ourselves completely blown away by its power!  

We become survivors. Like a flash of lightning in the evening sky, the electricity flows through our earthly bodies with such creative power that we, in turn, charge the world around us and continue the ebb and flow of eternal life. Alternately, the responsibility and power we hold within us becomes incalculable.

As powerful as life is, it can also be as precious and fragile as our newborn selves. We are dependent, to a certain degree, upon the circumstances surrounding us. When mishandled, not respected, either by ourselves or others, life can become a living hell; sucking the existence from within the soft shell of protection we cling to, our hopes, dreams, ideals evaporate in the foggy mist and our bodies are flung along the sandy beach like discarded seashells, unprotected from the mighty tide rolling in. 

“There is a crack in everything. That’s how the light gets in.” —Leonard Cohen

We begin to understand how there is safety and progress in numbers; in like minds with ideals of equality swirling within our souls, searching for a better world for all. We are marching soldiers holding placards filled with symbols of justice and hope above our heads, for all to see and attempt to relate to. Our time here on earth together is fleeting and to pass hatred down from generation to generation is one of the most unscrupulous acts of negligence that should and must be eradicated in our lifetime. Heed the warnings, protest peacefully, and do not cease until the healing process begins to sweep away the loathing of others, the world over.

No longer rookies in this game of life, our baby steps have taken on the grand strides of strong, intelligent adults responsible for change, capable of healing, and striving for the growth and application of mindfulness. We are the grown-ups in the room now. May we always be responsible for our actions. The entire world is watching us.

“Act the way you’d like to be and soon you’ll be the way you act.” —Leonard Cohen

LEONARD COHEN: SINGER, SONGWRITER,
POET AND NOVELIST

Remain safe. Stay healthy.

Copyright © 2020 by Jacqueline E Hughes

All rights reserved

WHY WE CAN’T WAIT: FIST SALUTES AND A MILLION TEARS

A series of essays....

THE RAISED FIST IS A SYMBOL OF SOLIDARITY AND SUPPORT AND
USED AS A SALUTE TO EXPRESS UNITY, STRENGTH, DEFIANCE, OR RESISTANCE.

....as seen through my eyes!

By: Jacqueline E. Hughes

“Three hundred years of humiliation, abuse, and deprivation cannot be expected to find voice in a whisper.”  —Martin Luther King, Jr.

An excerpt from his 1963 book entitled, ‘Why We Can’t Wait.‘

Everyday is a crisis within the current presidency. And, like small children awaiting the ultimate joy of Christmas morning, we are tucked into bed each night with the wonder of what we’ll have to face next when the morning’s light awakens us to another day, another challenge. In the meantime, we understand that our prospective joy will be measured this November by the outcome of one of the most important elections this country has held (one we will have to fight for) in a very long time.

It’s been one hell of a past ten days for all of us. A broad mixture of emotions are running through me down into my very soul: fear, disgust, mild depression, the loss of innocence, and anger all swirl within my core and continue to haunt my thoughts, my entire being. My skin is being plagued by itchy hives that were first thought to be bug bites. I know better now. I’m not going to lie or sugarcoat it: I am frightened out of my wits!

We had been trying so hard and with all the best intentions to do something right for several months now with wearing our masks, social distancing, isolation...only to be sabotaged by four men in uniform. A choke hold lasting almost nine minutes but reopening a world of hate and denial that’s been going on for hundreds of years. My gut reaction upon seeing the video of George Floyd’s murder for the first time was, “This man has just been lynched in public right on the streets of Minneapolis!” Four men in blue uniforms effectively placed a noose around George Floyd’s neck in broad daylight and took his breath away forever.

“I can’t breathe.”

— George Floyd as his life was passing away 

What does this mean for the rest of us? Are nationwide protests part of the answer? Yes! We can’t wait or place denial in our path any longer. Peaceful demonstrations allow us to be heard in large numbers and in solidarity. This is very important right now, as is throwing down the gauntlet and openly challenging an administration who has consistently bolstered white supremacy, destroyed the written rules meant to protect us, and strongly believes in dictatorship over democracy.

The challenges we are facing are enormous. Most of us don’t have the power of the U.S. military force under our thumbs (thank goodness) to apply towards those with whom we disagree or want to hold in line via brute force. Our alternative is to continue to make our voices heard loud and clear, never giving up, and always keeping our faith in the system. Our ultimate goal of pushing back against the evil that is residing within the hearts of so many is predicated on the belief in good people. Good people, including ourselves, who must prevail over the hatred that is chewing us up inside and relegating the grave health issues of a pandemic we face together on the back burner instead of in the forefront as they should be. Yet another diversionary tactic, among many, used by this administration.

While a black man is being suffocated in the streets in broad daylight, fires burn within cities set by opportunists bent on stirring-up the cauldron of hatred, and innocent people are tear-gassed in order to clear a path of safety for one of the most hate-filled people walking today, it would be appropriate to ask ourselves, “Where is hope these days?” Hope is with all of us, my friends, sitting right there between faith and charity.  Faith, Hope, and Charity (Love), are the Theological Virtues as defined by Saint Paul who has placed Love as the greatest of them all. There shines hope, ever present between our faith in and love for mankind. Hope can be found in our pragmatic youth and future leaders. We must believe in the power of these virtues and keep them active inside of us because they are our ticket to freedom and a better life.

Lightning makes no sound until it strikes.” 

― Martin Luther King Jr., Why We Can't Wait

Just as I believe that the coronavirus represents the transparent display of reaching out to the world in order to recognize and, hopefully, repair many of the faults perpetrated by mankind throughout our history, I believe that weak, hateful people like Donald Trump will always exist. They exist to remind us of what could and will happen if we deny having faith, hope, and love in our lives. He has already been entered into the annals of history alongside the most evil people and events ever witnessed by humankind throughout the course of time itself and has earned this status a hundred times over, at least.

Taking the words from many placards displayed across the television screen within the past several days, “Rest in power, George Floyd,” your name, your purpose, and your message will not be forgotten. Rest in power because the sacrifice of your life and the power of your death is what will carry us through, by the most amicable means possible, and aid us in acquiring the true peace we are lookin for.

It is time for all good women and men to come to the aid of their country. We can’t wait and risk running out of options. We are encouraged to participate in the process. Keep working as hard as possible on it. VOTE. Vote in November no matter what obstacles are thrown in our way. Keep working to make good things happen. Respect one another even if your beliefs in the process don’t always line-up. Nothing worthwhile is obtained easily because there will always be someone or something impeding our progress. If that’s the case, work even harder.

“No Justice, No Peace.”

— Chant of protesters around the world

May all of us take good care of ourselves and strive to remain healthy. The countdown to November 3rd is our reminder that faith, hope, and charity will gracefully guide our way into a stronger, better future. We can’t afford to wait until all hope is lost and there is no turning back. All the world is watching us.

Rest in power, George Floyd. Rest assured that your death was not in vain.

Copyright © 2020 by Jacqueline E Hughes

All rights reserved