Sonya Kay • "I would like to welcome and introduce my friend Jared as a guest for today's post. Jared is married and is the father of a beautiful baby girl. He currently serves in the Air Force and considers it an honor to be able to serve our country.
Right now that means serving a country that seems to be more divided than united. However, that hasn't stopped Jared. He recently posted his thoughts about today's current events on a social media platform. When I read it, I was moved. It touched my heart to not only read what he had to say, but to know he was being genuine.
My husband and Jared met each other at the beginning of their Air Force journey. From basic training to being stationed in Va now to living miles apart, we are all still connected. Jared was always such a genuine and compassionate man. I knew from the first day we met he was one of a kind. The way he and my husband bonded was truly amazing. Jared has been with my husband and I through some of the hardest moments of our lives and not once did we ever feel anything other than love and support from him. He is the type of person that you want to be around because you know his love is real and rare. Jared is the definition of friends that become family.
With that said, it doesn't surprise me that Jared has taken a stand and using his voice!
What our nation is going through isn't just a horrible nightmare we are going to wake up from. It is our reality and a very painful reality at that. Taking appropriate and respectful action in some form is not only bold, it is also the right thing to do. How we chose to do so is up to us.
I've chosen to take action by reminding others that there is Light in a dark world and praying continually for our country. Jared has chosen to take action by boldly making his voice heard and I'm honored that he has agreed to share his heart with you all as well.
Continue reading for Jared's response to our current events.
JA • " This whole situation that the world is currently going through has been weighing heavy on my heart. Seeing that racism is still so prevalent today makes me sick to my stomach. I’ve thought long and hard about what to say and I still feel that it won’t ever be enough.
I’m a white male that grew up in a predominately white school. I never had to worry about any run-ins with the law. My only concern was trying to stay out of enough trouble to not get grounded. Not once in my life did I ever fear for my life. Especially in regards to law enforcement. I always thought that they were there to serve and protect. They’re the ones you call when you need help.
Things have changed. I have grown to understand fear, however, in a different way. I fear for my family and friends. I fear for the world that awaits my child now and in the future.
I’m married to a black woman. We have a biracial child. My in-laws are black. I honestly don’t even think of them as in-laws. They’re an extension to my parents. They’ve done more for me than they can imagine. But still...There are things that they internally feel that I couldn’t imagine. They’ve dealt with these prejudices, and sometimes straight-up racism, throughout their entire lives, and with the recent murder of George Floyd, this is a reality they can’t escape.
But that doesn’t mean it’s a reality they have to accept. There’s a reason why people hurt. There’s a reason why people are angry. However, we as a society, have the ability to make a change. It’s by showing compassion; lending an ear or even a shoulder to cry on. Just BE there. It’s in how we treat others and lead by example. It’s in how we raise our children to learn right from wrong. It’s by seeing the person as a HUMAN being. Why? Because black lives matter. My wife’s life matters. My daughter's life matters. My family's life matters. And I’ll be damned if I go through life with the assumption that the world will see them the same way as the world sees me. That would be pure ignorance.
I won’t stand idle. Instead, I’ll stand for them. I’ll stand with them. Because listen...This isn’t going away. You can’t just assume this will pass over and everything will be back to normal. Nor should you want things to remain how they were. Things will be different... Conversations will be difficult...But I truly believe we need to make this world a better place. And it needs to start now. "
Sonya Kay • I want to thank Jared for agreeing to be our guest for today. Jared, I appreciate you for using your voice and taking a stand for what's right. And as always, thank you for your service to our country! May God continue to bless you and your beautiful family!!