(please note, I recorded the audio and then I edited and added some more words to the post so the audio is not the full transcription. I didn’t re-record it because I wanted to care for my mental health and heart - these words were heavy to write, speak, and share - so if you want to get access to the full thing - then you can read it as well)
Being believed has always been a part of the dignifying process of a person.
Because if you don’t believe me, then you likely don’t value my opinion, experience, perspective, words, or expression. And if you find no value in those things then you likely find no value in me. And if you find no value in me, it’s easier to think less of me or not think of of me at all.
This is the experience of every single person on earth that has been a part of a marginalized group, oppressed group, or dehumanized group.
It’s the road taken that is derailed away from dignity.
But unless of course, people can see the marginalization, oppression, injustice, pain, trauma, and dehumanization - right?
Well, time and time again we have seen that when there is something to “see” of an injustice, it’s still not enough for people to believe people when they cry out for “justice”….
so why do you need to behold it in the first place?
Behold is often used in a beautiful poetic sense because it usually means to observe or see something marvelous or beautiful but it can also just mean to see and just observe.
And in the case of injustices, this is how beholding looks like for some people:
The person who needs to see to believe
The person who sees and still doesn’t believe.
This is why beholding should never be a factor for believing.
Instead, we get to be b e l i e v e d.
If we are crying out and saying police brutality is affiliated and associated with white supremacy and we need to change the system. Then the response is to believe and not use excuses or reasons as to why someone’s murder was justified.
If we are crying out and saying unhealthy churches and Christians are hurting, abusing, and wounding people and we need to hold them accountable and change church structures and culture. Then the response is to believe and not use excuses of how many people have been saved at that church or how nice that pastor has been with ‘some’ people.
If we are crying out and saying we have a gun problem in this country and it’s more often than not used as a weapon toward communities of color, the lgbtqia+ community, children, and other marginalized groups. Then the response is to believe and not bring up the constitution or amendments as things that matter more than the heartbeat of a person.
If we are crying out and saying what we have experienced, felt, and seen.
B E L I E V E U S.
Believe before you behold our pain.
Yesterday I made the mistake of watching the video of our beloved brother Tyre Nichols murder. I told myself on Friday night that I wouldn’t but then as I watched the news yesterday they showed it.
I cried.
And then I thought, “some people will have to watch this to actually believe police brutality is a problem, and some even after watching that - will still not believe it.”
Earlier today I watched the news again and they said this before showing the video of our Beloved Tyre:
“please be aware that the imagery in this video may be disturbing and also it’s equally important to watch”
Injustice after injustice, being watched and still not believed. Still not dignified. Still not respected. Still not valued. Still just another one. You know how that feels?
It feels like our hearts, minds, and bodies are dispensable.
In America, throughout history, and for far too long we have been considered dispensable. We are tired. But we also don’t need to prove ourselves anymore.
That’s what I’m holding on to. The cross claiming that I am indispensable.
your fellow wounded and tired sister,
Pricelis Dominguez
p.s. if you haven’t already seen the video of our brother Tyre nichols murder, I definitely suggest you don’t. We don’t need to add views or amplify the fact that Hollywood and the media want to continue to show Black and Brown bodies being publicly lynched and murdered. No other group ends up on newscast or other places with their public murder on display. Let’s honor one another by not watching it.
If you haven’t already seen, I’m hosting a women’s conference this summer in New York City called The Sowers Summit and so much of the purpose of the conference is to teach people how to believe God’s word, believe God’s people, and belief in the God who beholds all people. We’ll have a specific sermon that touches on Justice and The Bible taught by Tiffany Bluhm and another on Deconstruction taught by ME :) - as well as a panel discussion on the restoration of the Church. Here are the other topics we’ll be covering at The Sowers Summit event:
WOULD LOVE TO SEE SOME OF YOU THERE!
Here are the links: Sowers Summit - Conference Details and Save $70 By Registering HERE! (exclusive registration link)
Love you, friend. I hate that the video ever made it to the news. Appreciate your words and perspective.