Choose Hope.
When we stare political conflict (here or elsewhere) in the face, try to help wounded healers, or (for many) just do our best to get through the day, we can’t help but feel discouraged. But that’s when it’s especially important to remember two important things:
Hope is a choice*.
Real change happens slowly.
When we choose hope we become oriented towards creating, sustaining, and connecting… instead of anger, destruction, and fear.
When we choose hope we join others who boldly look hatred in the face and say out loud “Not this.”
When we choose hope we hold space for others so they, too, can begin to see the possibility of change.
When we choose hope we act in small ways that inevitably (and delightfully) “move the needle” towards love. And these collective small actions result in persistent and unrelenting progress towards the goal of the beloved community.
Choose hope.
*Choosing hope means to cherish a desire with anticipation with an expectation that it will happen (even if the likelihood is small).
I heard a wonderful sermon focused on HOPE by Canon Kellaura Johnson at the ordination of new Deacons for the Episcopal Church of the Diocese of Texas last Saturday. She asked them to give the first year of their ministry to ask about people's HOPES, not just their needs and concerns, which tends to make the people you talk to stay focused on their needs and concerns. You can watch her whole sermon here. The HOPE part starts 5:08 minutes in. https://vimeo.com/1097201165?fbclid=IwY2xjawLScRtleHRuA2FlbQIxMQBicmlkETFRc1UxYVU0OXY2UGtEc1VpAR64caCjJrWJ0xTSwDWNnnVA_9MUkvH3Dr0_j_MUCVYrS4t2N3FwgMG_WbrtPg_aem_5mIZqPSmm4XON84jlGTRSg
Thank you, Mary. Your reflections here are an encouraging reminder of the importance of hope for planting and nurturing the seeds of change. I've been calling my senators and representatives about the budget bill, and yesterday, met virtually with folks form the Poor People's Movement as we made these calls. Being in the presence of kindred spirits working against harms to our communities in these terribly dark times is keeping the embers of hope alive for me.