“Whoever fights ceaselessly against his own selfishness, and strives to supplant it with all-embracing love, is a saint, whether he live in a cottage or in the midst of riches and influence; or whether he preaches or remains obscure.”–James Allen
I think we are losing sight of just what social justice means in the United States of America—perhaps globally. The Oxford Reference1 suggests that social justice is “the objective of creating a fair and equal society in which each individual matters, their rights are recognized and protected, and decisions are made in ways that are fair and honest.”
Social justice is not self-righteousness. Rather, it is the quite opposite. It is an understanding that we are all human. We are all susceptible to the same human flaws and mistakes. Social justice is not a self-perception of what is right or wrong. It is love thy neighbor/love your enemy at the very core.
Social justice is not “us” versus “them”. Social justice does not seek to divide. Instead, social justice seeks to unify. It is the understanding that all of humanity has a voice and a purpose.
We, as a nation, increasingly seek to label and divide under the guise of “diversity” and “social justice”. In doing so, we become increasingly self-centered rather than other-centered. We focus on “getting what is mine” rather than on “giving what is yours”.
Perhaps social justice requires we exercise the Quaker practice of creating space for the soul to speak. Rather than thinking we know what is best for others, perhaps we can step back and let them reveal what is best for them.
Social justice is about celebrating differences as they relate to our sameness. It is not a political issue. It is not an economic issue. It is a Spiritual problem that is fueled by both religion and secularism. It is a challenge to grow and to move forward—to not look back except to learn from the past. Social justice is not about making people equal. Rather, it is about understanding our oneness amidst our uniqueness of purpose.
I am not there in my personal Spiritual growth, but I hope I am moving in the right direction. Sadly, it feels like swimming against the current. I appreciate the patience in those around me who allow my soul the space to speak. I appreciate those who teach me to be other-centered.
Be your best today; be better tomorrow.
Carpe momento!
1https://www.oxfordreference.com/view/10.1093/oi/authority.20110803100515279