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.
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.
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.