By Jeff Baird
Thankfully, I have good vision and can see all colors. But, when it comes to skin color, I’m color blind. Always have been, always will be. I have known good and bad people who had all different skin tones and complexions. Their skin color is irrelevant. What’s important is how I have been blessed to know so many different people in all shapes, sizes and colors.
My good friend Bob McKinney always calls me “Partner!” I love Bob and so does my family. I’m going to call Bob this week. It’s been too long. He happens to be a black man and went to great lengths to be in my wedding. Bob and I worked the second shift at a factory in my hometown. One night after getting off work at 11:30 p.m., Bob took me to Box’s Barbecue in Rockford, Illinois. Best Barbecue on the planet and I love BBQ.
As we stood in line to place our order, I noticed I was the only white guy in the place. Bob knew what I was thinking, leaned over to me and said, “Don’t worry partner. You’re with me.” I instantly relaxed and loved Bob even more at that very moment. He is the best friend a guy could ask for. I was treated so kindly and with such respect that night. It was the highlight of my day. The experience made me love Box’s Barbecue even more. I went back many times with and without Bob. Each time, my brothers and sisters who served me always had time for a good laugh regardless of how busy they were. And, they were always busy.
When you do healing work, you are very sensitive to energies. Healers can literally feel another person’s pain. It’s important that we protect ourselves on all levels so that we can bring love to any situation and not be distracted by low lying energies and negativity. I understand how much pain is out there right now and it can be overwhelming at times. Distance Reiki allows me to send love to situations all over the world and for that I am very grateful. Reiki is the work that I love most, and the world needs love more than ever. So, I have job security.
I would do anything for my friend Bob regardless of his skin color. The horrific history of how we have treated our fellow brothers and sisters throughout the years is a crime against humanity. We are here to lift each other up, not tear each other down. The needless pain and suffering that others have felt can literally bring me to my knees. It sickens me.
You see, I firmly believe we are all equal and all connected. Distance Reiki proved to me that we are all connected and that love is still the most powerful force in the world. There is nothing stronger than love. Hate always manages to grab the headlines but love is the really big news of the day. Love can heal all things. I see it every time I share Reiki with another soul.
Be gentle with yourself and with others. Love one another. The only constant is change, and that fact will never change. Sheryl Crow once said, “A Change Would Do You Good.” Amen.