I don't believe in God. I believe that humans created the concept to explain the unexplainable. But I also think humans needed a reason, outside of themselves, to have hope and to try to be good people. You can be good by hanging onto virtues, and morals and ethics. And, if belonging to a religious group helps you to do this, then by all means engage that side of you. I think, at this moment, there really isn't anything we can do on the Federal level, but there's still a lot we can do on the state and local levels to help those who'll be most harmed by the new administration. I also think we should consider the Amish concept of shunning. Not in an extreme sense, but in the sense of being civil but not engaging with those who wish to insult and cause fear and harm, whether among family, friends, at work, on social media, or in public. Don't engage in name calling or insults because it's non-productive. You're not going to win any arguments with MAGA types or with anyone who voted for Trump (they'll just become defensive). I think that the Republican Party is going to implode because you have a large group of self-centered, arrogant people who have no ideals, who only want personal power and financial gain, and who have either forgotten, or never had, virtues, morals or ethics. They'll engage in political sabotage, backstabbing, and blindsiding each other. Congressional Republicans will not want to listen to Musk and Ramaswamy and CEOs don't want Trump to tank the economy. Regularly, do something that's comforting, and join a local/state political group, volunteer and/or donate to just causes. There will be a time to re-engage at the Federal level and you'll be rested up and ready.
I'm relieved to hear from you, I had been worried.
I'm scared for my family members that are trans. Keeping them safe has been elevated to my top concern, but we don't know what the danger will be. I'm sure that you are feeling the same emotions. I lack your faith in God to sustain me and I am going a bit crazy.
I cannot tell you how deeply I appreciate your presence and your words. I have been holding my breath - knowing that you needed a time of space but also coveting your words. I hope you can keep finding the moments that you need to re-group and recharge. We are truly in dark times.
This is the prayer that I've always fallen back on: "You asked for my hands that you might use them for your purpose. I gave them for a moment and then withdrew them for the work was hard.
You asked for my voice to speak out against injustice. I gave you a whisper so I might not be accused.
You asked for my eyes to see the pain of poverty. I closed them for I did not want to know.
You asked for my life that you might work through me. I gave you a fractional part that I might not get involved.
Lord, forgive me for calculated efforts to serve you only when its convenient to do so, only in those places where it is safe to do so, only with those who make it easy to do so.
Forgive me, renew me, and send me out as a usable instrument, that I might take seriously the meaning of your cross."
Please know that I'm here for you. That there's so many of us that have your back. But please also know that I understand deeply how devastating last Tuesday was for ALL of us. Take care of yourself.
It's so good reading you again, Charlotte. I admire your profound faith in what is unseen and in a higher power than all of us. Please know that many of us are in your corner and will not cut you or one another to the wind. I will believe, together with you and our hopeful community, that good will prevail in the end.
Thank you, Charlotte. I knew we’d see a post soon from you, but I was concerned about you. I am Jewish, although my narcissist parents rejected it. I am an atheist who believes in the Universe/higher power and an order to things, even though we can’t see it most of the time. We have to take it on faith, which my closest friend, who is Christian and black, tells me is basically another side of the same coin. I expect she is correct.
The best and most beautiful things in the world cannot be seen or even touched. They must be felt with the heart. ~ Helen Keller
Oh Charlotte I'm so glad you took time for you. The grief is huge and threatens to overwhelm. I yelled at God and yelled and asked God where the hell they were. And then I realized God was there holding my heart as I grieved and continue to grieve. The pain can close my throat if I consider what may come. Instead I breathe and Let Go and Let God. May we all be safe. Amen.
I have been thinking about you and wishing you well. I don’t share your faith. Sometimes I wish I did. I believe there is something greater out there, but have no faith in organized religion. Doesn’t matter. I am happy to hear from you. I wish you well. I am ready to stand beside you and fight. And will be among those ready to buy you a drink next time you hit Boston
Thank you for being in community and sharing your truths. Your words mean a lot to me and I admire your ability to speak up and out even when you are struggling. And I admire your recognition of when you need time for your own mental health and taking care of yourself. Grateful to stand with you.
Ring the bells that still can ring
Forget your perfect offering
There is a crack, a crack in everything
That’s how the light gets in
—Leonard Cohen
I don't believe in God. I believe that humans created the concept to explain the unexplainable. But I also think humans needed a reason, outside of themselves, to have hope and to try to be good people. You can be good by hanging onto virtues, and morals and ethics. And, if belonging to a religious group helps you to do this, then by all means engage that side of you. I think, at this moment, there really isn't anything we can do on the Federal level, but there's still a lot we can do on the state and local levels to help those who'll be most harmed by the new administration. I also think we should consider the Amish concept of shunning. Not in an extreme sense, but in the sense of being civil but not engaging with those who wish to insult and cause fear and harm, whether among family, friends, at work, on social media, or in public. Don't engage in name calling or insults because it's non-productive. You're not going to win any arguments with MAGA types or with anyone who voted for Trump (they'll just become defensive). I think that the Republican Party is going to implode because you have a large group of self-centered, arrogant people who have no ideals, who only want personal power and financial gain, and who have either forgotten, or never had, virtues, morals or ethics. They'll engage in political sabotage, backstabbing, and blindsiding each other. Congressional Republicans will not want to listen to Musk and Ramaswamy and CEOs don't want Trump to tank the economy. Regularly, do something that's comforting, and join a local/state political group, volunteer and/or donate to just causes. There will be a time to re-engage at the Federal level and you'll be rested up and ready.
I'm relieved to hear from you, I had been worried.
I'm scared for my family members that are trans. Keeping them safe has been elevated to my top concern, but we don't know what the danger will be. I'm sure that you are feeling the same emotions. I lack your faith in God to sustain me and I am going a bit crazy.
Anxiety provoking to say the least
I cannot tell you how deeply I appreciate your presence and your words. I have been holding my breath - knowing that you needed a time of space but also coveting your words. I hope you can keep finding the moments that you need to re-group and recharge. We are truly in dark times.
This is the prayer that I've always fallen back on: "You asked for my hands that you might use them for your purpose. I gave them for a moment and then withdrew them for the work was hard.
You asked for my voice to speak out against injustice. I gave you a whisper so I might not be accused.
You asked for my eyes to see the pain of poverty. I closed them for I did not want to know.
You asked for my life that you might work through me. I gave you a fractional part that I might not get involved.
Lord, forgive me for calculated efforts to serve you only when its convenient to do so, only in those places where it is safe to do so, only with those who make it easy to do so.
Forgive me, renew me, and send me out as a usable instrument, that I might take seriously the meaning of your cross."
Please know that I'm here for you. That there's so many of us that have your back. But please also know that I understand deeply how devastating last Tuesday was for ALL of us. Take care of yourself.
It's so good reading you again, Charlotte. I admire your profound faith in what is unseen and in a higher power than all of us. Please know that many of us are in your corner and will not cut you or one another to the wind. I will believe, together with you and our hopeful community, that good will prevail in the end.
Thank you, Charlotte. I knew we’d see a post soon from you, but I was concerned about you. I am Jewish, although my narcissist parents rejected it. I am an atheist who believes in the Universe/higher power and an order to things, even though we can’t see it most of the time. We have to take it on faith, which my closest friend, who is Christian and black, tells me is basically another side of the same coin. I expect she is correct.
The best and most beautiful things in the world cannot be seen or even touched. They must be felt with the heart. ~ Helen Keller
I too “have spent the past week in considerable depression.”
I’m working through the stages of grief -I truly thought we would be dancing not grieving.
Thank you for sharing your faith. I know that will be helpful for many in the years to come.
I’m still taking my time out, except for your posts and Dr. HRC’s, and a few more.
I’ll get past my grief and continue our fight for what’s right.
But now, I’m just still overwhelmed by the amount of hate, bigotry, homophobia, and misogyny in our country.
Standing by you, too, and everyone who feels threatened or uncertain about what is ahead of us.
Oh Charlotte I'm so glad you took time for you. The grief is huge and threatens to overwhelm. I yelled at God and yelled and asked God where the hell they were. And then I realized God was there holding my heart as I grieved and continue to grieve. The pain can close my throat if I consider what may come. Instead I breathe and Let Go and Let God. May we all be safe. Amen.
Wow. Shades of MLK in your post. Thank you for reminding us of the strength and power in loving our enemies in the midst of tribulation: https://kinginstitute.stanford.edu/king-papers/documents/loving-your-enemies-sermon-delivered-dexter-avenue-baptist-church. May God have mercy on us.
I have been thinking about you and wishing you well. I don’t share your faith. Sometimes I wish I did. I believe there is something greater out there, but have no faith in organized religion. Doesn’t matter. I am happy to hear from you. I wish you well. I am ready to stand beside you and fight. And will be among those ready to buy you a drink next time you hit Boston
And I'm beside you, and so very grateful for your presence in the world. This is absolutely an issue I've been chewing on.
Thank you. Grieving with you, standing by you.
Thank you for these words. I too have been struggling with this very idea.
Oh Charlotte. How beautifully said.
Thank you for being in community and sharing your truths. Your words mean a lot to me and I admire your ability to speak up and out even when you are struggling. And I admire your recognition of when you need time for your own mental health and taking care of yourself. Grateful to stand with you.