It's so useful to move from despair that we're back at this place to being grateful we can face this scary, ugly version of oppression with new skills and wisdom. Thank you for this wise reflection.
When asked what he would do about the white supremacists and white nationalists MLK, Jr said, “The ultimate tragedy is not the oppression and cruelty by the bad people but the silence over that by the good people.” I know what the former will say/do. But what will MY response be? As Mary's blog states, it has looped back. I find it almost unfathomable to accept the fact that we have to put up with another four years of this hateful and ignorant non-President and his divisive rhetoric. I keep thinking, "What would Jesus do?" We are told to not opt out or grow apathetic but to resist. But I am very tired of taking the high road and just tired of anything political at all. This forum is a big help, and I just want to thank each of you for your nuggets of wisdom, your heartfelt empathy, and your positive outlook, however difficult those things may be, in a very bleak and pessimistic country today.
Mary, I’m uplifted by your powerful metaphor about loops. ( I share your tendency to misplace my car.) The essay was a pleasure to read. What stands out to me is the complete absence of bitterness or contempt, and your emphasis on hope and empowerment. Yes!!
Mary Ellen, thank you! How kind. And I'm glad I'm not alone in car loss. I knew my husband was a keeper when he patiently walked thru an airport parking lot with me, looking for the car. So thankful we can take a picture now with our phones!
Mary, thanks for shining the light on some of “ugliness” in this world. As a registered nurse of almost 30 years and working mainly in the south and some in the Midwest I’ve seen a lot and some of the things that you’re speaking about. Especially when working in Atlanta in the 90s we had a huge, and I hate to even say the word because then it puts a label on someone but for this reference I will, gay/queer population. Of course, those in the hospital were very sick with either full-blown AIDS, or with HIV and really sick. Some nurses didn’t want to care for them. So I swapped patients with them I wasn’t afraid to get anything, and I certainly wasn’t afraid.
They were just patients that were sick. They had partners who love, then who cared for them and there was a lot of confusion around that population and also in the south, seems that way with people of different colors.
It needs to stop! Every single person, no matter what “color”, ethnicity, religion or non-religious or sexual orientation- every single time that I drew blood, the blood was red.
We must come together as a people on this earth, and have compassion and caring and love for everyone. I’m not saying we have to like everyone and of course personalities sometimes don’t match up. I’m not being unrealistic here but you know what I’m talking about- the bottom line.
I think I’ve already said this in a couple publications today, and it bears repeating. It starts by the person looking in the mirror. That’s how change starts… one person at a time and when we see things that aren’t right or people are treated differently, we need to step in and speak up because maybe that person might not be able to speak up for their selves or they’re afraid.
It's so useful to move from despair that we're back at this place to being grateful we can face this scary, ugly version of oppression with new skills and wisdom. Thank you for this wise reflection.
Thanks, Deb! Lots to face and think about.
When asked what he would do about the white supremacists and white nationalists MLK, Jr said, “The ultimate tragedy is not the oppression and cruelty by the bad people but the silence over that by the good people.” I know what the former will say/do. But what will MY response be? As Mary's blog states, it has looped back. I find it almost unfathomable to accept the fact that we have to put up with another four years of this hateful and ignorant non-President and his divisive rhetoric. I keep thinking, "What would Jesus do?" We are told to not opt out or grow apathetic but to resist. But I am very tired of taking the high road and just tired of anything political at all. This forum is a big help, and I just want to thank each of you for your nuggets of wisdom, your heartfelt empathy, and your positive outlook, however difficult those things may be, in a very bleak and pessimistic country today.
Jim, you’re right. This is bewildering and exhausting. It’s hard not to despair!
I so needed to read this today
Thank you, Karen. These are such strange and hard times.
They are indeed. Taking refuge in morning devotions. Been reading the farewell discourse in John and imagining Jesus praying this for us
I always enjoy your writings !!!
Dorothy, thank you!
Mary, I’m uplifted by your powerful metaphor about loops. ( I share your tendency to misplace my car.) The essay was a pleasure to read. What stands out to me is the complete absence of bitterness or contempt, and your emphasis on hope and empowerment. Yes!!
“Hope anchors the soul.” (Hebrews 6:19)
Mary Ellen, thank you! How kind. And I'm glad I'm not alone in car loss. I knew my husband was a keeper when he patiently walked thru an airport parking lot with me, looking for the car. So thankful we can take a picture now with our phones!
Mary, thanks for shining the light on some of “ugliness” in this world. As a registered nurse of almost 30 years and working mainly in the south and some in the Midwest I’ve seen a lot and some of the things that you’re speaking about. Especially when working in Atlanta in the 90s we had a huge, and I hate to even say the word because then it puts a label on someone but for this reference I will, gay/queer population. Of course, those in the hospital were very sick with either full-blown AIDS, or with HIV and really sick. Some nurses didn’t want to care for them. So I swapped patients with them I wasn’t afraid to get anything, and I certainly wasn’t afraid.
They were just patients that were sick. They had partners who love, then who cared for them and there was a lot of confusion around that population and also in the south, seems that way with people of different colors.
It needs to stop! Every single person, no matter what “color”, ethnicity, religion or non-religious or sexual orientation- every single time that I drew blood, the blood was red.
We must come together as a people on this earth, and have compassion and caring and love for everyone. I’m not saying we have to like everyone and of course personalities sometimes don’t match up. I’m not being unrealistic here but you know what I’m talking about- the bottom line.
I think I’ve already said this in a couple publications today, and it bears repeating. It starts by the person looking in the mirror. That’s how change starts… one person at a time and when we see things that aren’t right or people are treated differently, we need to step in and speak up because maybe that person might not be able to speak up for their selves or they’re afraid.
Let’s do this 🤗💯💪💕🙏
Kathleen, I remember those days. Bless you for the care and tenderness you brought to people who were sick.
Always… it’s my calling…. and now it’s my calling to do from an office at home so I can spend more time with my mother while she’s with us.