With the election largely over, we are left with sobering answers about who we are as a people, state, and nation. There are painful realities that have been revealed about how our leaders view the very citizens they serve and have promised that treatment will not be equal. Half of our nation has voted for authoritarian dictates, exclusivity, a double set of ethics, constant threats, manipulation, and exploitation. The reach is long- the promised policies will have a ripple effect into every facet of our lives, impacting all branches of government as well as generations down the line.
For the next few days, I urge all of us to turn off the media that has been saturating our senses and spaces. Allow room for grief- it is your heart acknowledging what we love, what we have lost, and what further hardships may come. Find those who understand and share your pain, reminding you that you are not alone.
Soon, we must move beyond pessimism, despair, and pain because there is work to do. There are lessons to learn, weakening democratic pillars to reinforce, people who will need our protection, and the imperative to hold fast to dignity and morality when our social mores have been commandeered by hate speech and bullying.
I share with you a few words spoken by people much wiser than me, who offer balm for a bruised heart and hope in dark times:
- Today is for suffering. But tomorrow—tomorrow is for community. I’ll be there, chest heaving, limbs heavy, eyes blurry, waiting for you. Scaachi Koul
- “Some things you must always be unable to bear. Some things you must never stop refusing to bear. Injustice and outrage and dishonor and shame. No matter how young you are or how old you have got. Not for kudos and not for cash: your picture in the paper nor money in the bank either. Just refuse to bear them.” – William Faulkner
- Choose courage over selfishness, trust over fear, love over anger. You do not know the end of grace. There is much you cannot change but bring healing where you can. We are not promised to be given light, but to shine with light. Don’t become an enemy of the world and its brokenness. Stay tender. Become a source of comfort and joy for others. Let this purpose bear you through the darkness and you yourself will become light. Take courage; trust grace; stay connected; practice love. – Rev. Steve Garnaas-Holmes
I hope you can honor your sorrow, enjoy small moments find reminders that there is good in the world, and most importantly, find the flicker of light that can guide you in dark times.