Disconnect

I see the world as my family, and when they reject the love I give, it destroys the life within me.  They say the kingdom of Heaven is alive in each and every one of us.  So I wonder if it is the Heaven within that grieves and tears at my heart.  Is this how God feels?

A few weeks ago I attended a demonstration regarding current U.S. Immigration policies.  I looked long and hard for my German flag, but couldn’t find it.  But I did find my Italian flag, and of course I had no problem finding a couple of American flags lying around the house.  Lastly, I grabbed my dog tags and headed out the door.

I greeted my fellow brothers and sisters with hugs when I arrived.  There were only a few people there.  A couple of the demonstrators were holding a nice size Mexican flag.  I didn’t know any of them, but was happy to unify.

I wanted to take part in the protest because I’m a humanitarian, as well as a product of (Native America and) immigrants who came to this country before America became a nation of fear.  Fear is something that I’ve always prided myself on overcoming. 

Standing on a downtown street corner with a nice size American flag hanging upside down, and a small Italian flag in one hand (that was mistaken as a Mexican flag quite often), and a small American flag (right side up) in the other, turned out to be quit an attraction. 

I understand that some people do not understand the symbolism behind an American flag hanging upside down; it symbolizes an American in distress, and when a passerby would let the bird fly and scream at my flag, I’d flip them two fingers up in peace.  I felt no anger in my heart, because I was standing up for love. 

I never have seen so many cameras and microphones at a Pensacola protest in my life.  More and more people came to stand with us.  People driving by had cell phone cameras out, smiling and waiving. 

No one showed anger towards those who yelled, “Go back home!”  Instead the protesters would simply smile and waive.  Sometimes we would sound off in English, and then Spanish (Mexican).

It was a beautiful day.  I thought of my grandparents and their people who came before me.  I thought about what it felt like to cross an ocean, never to return. 

And my friends thought I had balls when I move to Florida.  The thought of crossing ocean’s dose not appeal to me on any level.  My grandparents were the dauntless ones.

But I do love my brothers and sisters south of the border.  I use to live in San Diego county (El Cajon, California).  I awoke to tacos in the a.m. and dined on burritos in the p.m. 

Love Ensenada!  Partied in Tijuana on several occasions.  I love the color, the culture, the music and the people, and I would still live out there today if it wasn’t so far from my Ohio family.

It didn’t take long for pictures of me holding my upside down flag began to circulate on Facebook.  I was on the evening news, and I was told my interview with UWF aired the next morning. 

The only negative feedback I received was from this Latino woman.  And it wasn’t just feedback; she was trying to bait me.  I could feel it.  When I didn’t bite, she changed/edited her previous comment, misleading readers.

So Facebook marks it and time stamps the comment.  Four hours had gone by with no additional comments, but as soon as she edited her comment another lady jumps on and tells me that I’m playing the race card, followed by ten or so other people who had a comment for the token white girl. 

It broke my heart.  I had hugged these women with purest of love, and here they are purposely trying to draw me into their ego driven drama.  I deleted the post all together and swore I would never stand with a group of Mexican’s again. 

The event no longer represented love, unity and brotherhood. Those two women took the best of me, the love, the courage, the sacrifice and destroyed it; a story that those in support of a border wall would love to share.

Cover up.  Disconnect. 

So I sit in the distance and I watch, because you can’t stomach me, and I refuse to acknowledge you.  It isn’t the government that is in need of repair, it’s us, the people! 

I can’t make you or anyone else a better person.  I can only work on myself.  And I know that disconnecting is not the answer.  So I forgive and clear the path to the kingdom within.  But know this, disconnecting is division.  You not only divide yourself from me and others, you disconnect from love; the light; the source, whatever you choose to call it.

So take a hint from the Beatles revolution – open your heart and come together!