Thank you for this, Lissa, especially the recommended references. I currently land on #43.
I was born & grew up in Alabama, and some of my ancestors were slave owners. My heritage mortifies me, and I really do shudder and my gut hurts when I think about it — and have no idea how I can help.
Whenever I come across a person of color named Glover, I want to grovel and apologize. But I suspect that’s not the answer.
And then, having lived in North Georgia, there’s the Cherokee Nation’s history. When I walk along the rivers in Rome, Ga, my heart aches. I can feel the ghosts. I suspect my ancestors also routed (killed and raped) natives in SW Alabama, when they tried to establish the Vine & Olive Colony.
All of that said, I really do have CPTSD (largely from my deep Southern upbringing), Autism, and many layers of trauma, so the spoons really are pretty full.
I fear alienating several BIPOC friends and feel I’m in a lose-lose situation if I say anything to them.
I’ll continue to meditate and pray, and dig into the resources you’ve provided here.
Thank you for this, Lissa, especially the recommended references. I currently land on #43.
I was born & grew up in Alabama, and some of my ancestors were slave owners. My heritage mortifies me, and I really do shudder and my gut hurts when I think about it — and have no idea how I can help.
Whenever I come across a person of color named Glover, I want to grovel and apologize. But I suspect that’s not the answer.
And then, having lived in North Georgia, there’s the Cherokee Nation’s history. When I walk along the rivers in Rome, Ga, my heart aches. I can feel the ghosts. I suspect my ancestors also routed (killed and raped) natives in SW Alabama, when they tried to establish the Vine & Olive Colony.
All of that said, I really do have CPTSD (largely from my deep Southern upbringing), Autism, and many layers of trauma, so the spoons really are pretty full.
I fear alienating several BIPOC friends and feel I’m in a lose-lose situation if I say anything to them.
I’ll continue to meditate and pray, and dig into the resources you’ve provided here.
Thanks again 🙏
I'm really touched by your share, Leslee. Thank you for letting us know what this brought up in you.
Thank you, Lissa! Your work has profoundly impacted my trauma healing, in wonderful ways!