Sandy Holman, Executive Director
Tuesday Truth: Good morning, Beloved. Peace, Hope, and determination to all of you. In times like the ones we are in, several things can happen. We, understandably, can shrink back in fear since we know there are consequences to standing on the side of love, truth, justice, equality, and equity and doing what we know needs to be done. We also can begin to normalize abhorrent behaviors to justify not doing the right thing and find the courage we need to take a stand against crimes against humanity.
We may go completely silent, blend in with the status quo, even when it is wrong, and justify horrible things being done to others to feel ok about our inaction. Some will act as if all is well because of the overwhelming nature of what is facing us. Others will justify the harm to others by saying, "Well, they must have done something wrong for that to happen to them," when we know that much more is happening in a given situation.
Of course, some want to let others take the lead and fight against oppressive acts so that they can personally stay safe, even if they benefit from someone who is persecuted since they are on the front lines.
Some say, "It's not going to be as bad as you think," or "God is in control," forgetting that the first statement is often based on the perception that no harm is going to come to them, personally, and the second one forgets that it's Faith and Works that go together. All of the above starts out in small steps. We don't do that event, training, community gathering, supporting target groups, participating in proactive interventions, and many other things that represent hope, solidarity, and determination to "follow the long-term arc towards justice." We can all relate to all the above or at least one or two things.
No judgment here, just a reminder to be careful about these things. Doing the above has us where we are today. Doing the above leads to massive chaos and increased danger to everyone. Doing the above has put whole countries in extreme turmoil and has even led to horrific happenings on our watch. We cannot stand idle and act only when something terrible happens to us personally. We are each other’s hope. I hope this book encourages you.
Hopefully, God and Our Ancestors will too. We all have fears. I know I do. Though I am not surprised by what I see in our country and world, my heart is extremely impacted by it. I especially feel for our young people. However, if we do our small part, " we can help someone, or at least keep from hurting them." Peace and Purple Love
