A More Equitable and Just World Where Everyone Blooms

My daughter bought me this Apple watch band for Christmas. It came with a story; I’m a sucker for a good story. The message accompanying my present is especially dear to my heart this season. I realize it was created by a multinational company whose net worth is almost four trillion dollars. So, of course, stories written by them could easily be construed as manipulative and designed solely to sell products. But I’m choosing to embrace it.

In case the text is hard to read via this photo, here it is:

 This special edition watch band celebrates the beauty of Black unity. Its floral design symbolizes the growth and resilience nurtured by generations working together to address injustice and dismantle systemic barriers.

 Rooted in the values of truth, power, and solidarity, this band and the accompanying Apple Watch face signify a lasting commitment to the pursuit of a more equitable world. One where everyone blooms. – Designed by Black creatives and allies at Apple

 A more equitable and just world where everyone blooms. That sentence sings to my heart. My work and volunteer life has concentrated on people in underserved communities. I’ve witnessed the impact of generations of systemic bias upon communities where privilege is not taken for granted. I guess I’m pondering these discrepancies after reading the incoming president’s unprecedented holiday message.

 Merry Christmas to the Radical Left Lunatics and to “Governor” Justin Trudeau of Canada…I refuse to wish a Merry Christmas to the 37 most violent criminals who killed, raped, and plundered but were given, incredibly, a pardon by sleepy Joe Biden. I refuse to say Merry Christmas to those lucky “souls”, instead will say GO TO HELL!”

 The contrast between the message accompanying my Christmas watch band with that of the message from of our soon-to-be president is striking. One speaks of love, hope, compassion, and empathy, the other of hate, retribution, retaliation, and condemnation.

 I guess it’s going to come down to faith and the belief that love, kindness, and compassion will triumph against hate and bigotry.

 Merry Christmas, Happy Chaunkah, Happy Kwanaa, and Happy Bodhi Day. May we learn to respect and accept all people’s dearly held belief systems, countries of origin, economic status, and skin color.

 Amen