It is Personal
I don't have a story, quote, or anecdote in mind to share with you today.
I want to simply acknowledge the absolute mess of our current sociopolitical system and the immense fear and frustration it creates.
If you follow the national and international world news, you're seeing (and feeling) the current impact - and additional threat - to the rights, liberty, and protection of human rights for people who do not fall within the narrow confines of White, heteronormative, conservative Christian identities.
I am right there with you.
While my focus here is not about politics for the sake of politics, I am feeling the echoes of my old studies..."The personal is political." (Title of article by Carol Hanisch).
It is personal.
It is about you. And me. And more people we love. And people we haven't even met who are being threatened.
It's about how we demonstrate and prioritize love, inclusion, and affirmation of human worth in our actions.
And the “personal” - including every dimension of a person's identity - is political in the narratives, policies, and platforms being promoted, legislated, and enacted.
I imagine I don't need to say more. You're already well aware of what's at stake.
Instead, I write this to let you know you're not alone. 💖
And it's a good thing. Because...there's no way around it...This current state of things?...
This....is....alarming.
I wish I could promise it will soon be okay.
I wish that you could retire your efforts. That social and racial justice are prevailing, stable, and reliable.
I wish I could tell you the job is done.
I wish I could assure you that all those you love are secure in the protections of their right to make health decisions about their bodies, marry or partner with those they love, access safe, affirming medical care for their children, and apply for and advance their jobs on the basis of their skills and capabilities.
I wish I could guarantee that your changemaking and communication efforts will be effortless and effective, that you will immediately feel the difference you are making, and that you will feel energized and uplifted by the instant impact.
I wish I could promise you it will all work out regardless of what any of us do.
And I cannot.
The future is not yet known.
What I can say, in full integrity, is how much value you add to the world.
Even if you feel exhausted, depleted, helpless, or hopeless as you face the enormity of what's happening and what's needed.
If you remember 2 things from this message - here's what I hope they are:
You are not alone.
Your gifts, strengths, and contributions matter.
In short, I want to remind you how amazing you are.
Your heart is a gift. Your compassion is amazing. Your willingness to return to the fight even when your heart has broken is a testament to your strength and determination.
At the end of the day, what happens depends on all of us standing consistently and persistently for the unquestionable rights and worth of every human being of every dimension and identity intersection.
Remember, the future is still unknown.
How can you meet your needs now so that you can fully invest in the future you want to create?
You matter. You make a difference. I'm so thankful you're here.
