Beauty

I know that in my last post I claimed that I was going to be speaking on my ideas for political reformation. But to be frank with all of you I still need some time to learn and understand things before I speak on them. Instead this post is going to consist of a lighter topic due to another beautiful day spending time in the Appalachian mountains.

I rarely find solace in my mind. For the last six or so years it has gotten progressively worse. It’s something that I am very aware of and actively combating. That being said, ever so often I find myself being able to take myself out of my head and think clearly. Today just happened to be one of those days.

I decided to go up to Elk Mountain overlook with a blanket, some coffee, a bagel, my journal, and a book. The book I decided to bring with me was “Uncle Toms Cabin” by Harriet Beecher. For those of you that don’t know this is not an easy read for multiple reasons. Being published in 1852 the language is older English so that is one reasons why it is more difficult. But it is also a very clear depiction of slavery in the U.S. and some say that it “helped lay the groundwork for the Civil War”. That being said I wanted to take a better opportunity to educate myself more on things I do not truly understand. For I can know every fact and date but that will never compare to experience and reality. So, being privileged enough to be able to have a clear mind and a day off of work I read about sixty pages.

As I’m laying there reading with my head on an old box I found in my Jeep I was prepared to be met with some heavy thoughts. Every word hit me like a ton of bricks. From the first page I was truly hurt by what people were capable of. Not only that but the lies and excuses they had for their egregious actions. I quickly felt my mind falling into the same state I profoundly combat. But being no stranger to that state I continued on.

I came to a part of the book explaining the inside of Uncle Tom’s cabin. Ms. Beecher explaining every detail of the cabin and the people in it. In her writing I was privy to different emotions. While many of them being negative, I also found a large amount of positivity. The way she wrote about the characters was shocking. I was expecting anger and hurt and instead I found beauty and joy. My mind slowly pushing away those angry thoughts and replacing them with the best of humanity. Instead of the cabin being filled with darkness, there was light. While this in no way dismissed the horrific acts taking place during this time, I was recognizing the basic beauty of people.

Something that really stood out to me was that the oppressed were profoundly happier in sprint than their oppressors. Slavery truly being the lowest most disgusting act to ever be seen on this planet. Even though these people were slaves they found joy in the most important ways. Through music, God, friendship, love, community, and food. They were even happy to give praise to their oppressors ( the book explains that the Shelby’s were kind to their slaves but in no way does that excuse them from their sins). The light being shown through these people was astounding. Even though they were experiencing the most evil side of man, they were not corrupted.

I was floored. Beginning the book I was already angry with the world and the evil parading around in it. Knowing racism is very real and very alive. Knowing that I will never understand but I will never not fight oppression. I want to believe in the good of humanity so bad when everything tells me there is none. But there I laid, reading a piece of stained history and being reminded that there is light in the darkest of times. That light shines through the best of us. Even when we are being treated in horrific ways. Knowing that the only way we combat hate is with love. If there is nothing else we can do, there is love and compassion. The best parts of each of us given to us at birth.

Slaves. Having every right to be so angry and filled with hatred. Instead putting their energy into finding the small beauties in their lives. Living in the present. Loving each other and even forgiving their oppressors. That is light. That is proof of the good in all of us.

I read sixty pages. Sixty pages of hurt. Sixty pages of anger. Sixty pages highlighting the failure of mankind. But, I also read sixty pages of love. Sixty pages of light. Sixty pages proving that people can be good. Sixty pages of good trampling evil. Sixty pages showing me that a group of people that were not even seen as humans could love while being hated so ruthlessly. Sixty pages that humbled me.

I know why the Big Man gave me the mind I have. He gave me a plagued one so that I will search for good. I will never just settle and believe that things are just the way they are. I will always search for the good in man. Today I was reminded of this. While my eyes are met with so many ugly things they are also met with beauty. That is where we should put our energy. Into the beautiful things. Not an excuse to ignore the evil. But when we find ourselves in a dark room what do we instinctively do? We look for the light.

P.s. Thanks to everybody who read. Make sure to share with your friends and leave me a comment! I always love feedback. P&L – Zach