THE SUNDAY LETTER

Every year at Color of GI's Equity in GI Conference, I look forward to one particular session.

It's called The Huddle.

I've been a part of it for several years now, and each year it grows into something more meaningful.

What begins as a room full of men quickly becomes a safe space.

A space where men of color lay down the burdens they've carried in silence.

They talk about their health. Their marriages. Their families. Their fears. Their disappointments.

The things they've convinced themselves they have to carry alone.

This year, I wasn't standing behind my camera. I was standing in the circle. Praying with these men.

Then, as we gathered around one brother, I felt something inside me say,

"People need to see this."

I quietly stepped away, picked up my camera, and captured this photograph.

Not because it was dramatic.

But because it was real.

The man in the center was carrying something heavy—something he had held onto for far too long.

What moved me wasn't just his willingness to be vulnerable. It was watching other men refuse to let him carry it by himself.

Hands on shoulders. Heads bowed.

No judgment.

No pretending.

Just brothers holding one another up.

July is BIPOC Mental Health Month, and this image reminds me that mental health isn't only about the battles people can see.

Sometimes it's about the weight we carry behind a smile. The conversations we never have. The tears we never let fall.

The words, "I'm not okay," that never leave our mouths.

Too often, men are taught that strength means staying silent. But I've come to believe real strength is found in having the courage to let someone else walk with you.

None of us were created to carry life's heaviest burdens alone.

Sometimes healing begins with one honest conversation.

Sometimes it begins with a circle.

Sometimes it begins with simply knowing you're not alone.

Behind the Lens

This photograph reminds me that some of the most powerful moments aren't staged.

They happen when people feel safe enough to be seen.

Sunday Reflection

Who is in your huddle?

Who can you call when life feels heavier than you can carry alone?

And if someone comes to mind who may be struggling in silence, don't wait.

Reach out.

Sometimes simply asking, "How are you... really?" can be the beginning of someone's healing.

Around Our Table

This week we're grateful for: Organizations like Color of GI that understand healing involves more than medicine—it also requires community.

This week we're learning: Strength isn't measured by how much we carry alone. Sometimes it's measured by our willingness to let someone walk beside us.

This week we're looking forward to: Continuing to tell stories that remind people they are seen, valued, and never alone.

Until Next Sunday

Thank you for spending a few moments with us this Sunday.

Our hope is that this photograph reminds you that strength isn't found in carrying every burden alone. Sometimes it's found in allowing someone else to help carry it with you.

Until next Sunday,

Jermaine & Catron Turner
JPix Studio

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Some Moments Are Too Important Not to Share

THE SUNDAY LETTER

Behind the Lens

Sunday Reflection

Around Our Table

Until Next Sunday

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