I am a little obsessed with the panorama function on my camera lately. Yesterday, I realized it just might help me to portray a little bit of the glory that is our friendly Sycamore, the way she shades the house, the way the light shines in, the way she seems to fill the hollow.
And three infant phoebes try to manage the heat. Their parents are incredibly attentive, so I am not worried about their survival in this heat wave–they have plenty of insects and lots of water. This is the second phoebe brood this summer in the barn.
We have such Work ahead of us in these days.
We cannot afford to sacrifice ourselves to the whirlpools of despair and rage.
How can I–today, in this moment–respond to my sadness and anger in ways that help to create healing?
I will say their names. Alton Sterling. Philando Castile.
And then I will say my own name, in response. I will pledge to show up. I will listen to the voices of those who have the most at stake in this story. I will stand, at least in spirit, with those who stand. I will listen more than I speak. I will keep looking inside myself, to notice my own unacknowledged biases and stereotypes and fears. I will not make excuses for myself. I will own my role. I will use what power I have to amplify the voices that must be heard. And I will not lose heart, not lose hope, not lose will.
If you are finding it hard to cope with the news, listen to Mr. Rogers talk about helpers, or read Clarissa Pinkola Estes on what we were made for (click on their names).
May we do what we can to be part of the solution rather than a continuing part of the problem.
Gratitude List:
1. Voices that lead with wisdom and compassion. Listen.
2. Communities of people who seek a better way. Participate.
3. Webs that hold us together through prayer and concern. Connect.
4. Shining moments of Beauty. Observe.
5. The possibility of a more just future. Envision.
May we walk in Beauty.
Mockingbird Chronicles 