We must be joyful in spite of the darkness and the jailers who shackle us. The first step is to realize you are imprisoned. The second step is to realize that you can still have joy, and you are not limited by the chains that bind you. Our bodies are tortured and held down, but our spirits soar, and our hearts burn like the shining sun. To quote James Baldwin, “the world is beautiful and the world is terrible.” I would not say “I command you to be joyful!” I just have gotten to the place where I know that joy is our birthright.
Smile at the bullies, and you win.