This reflects my own reluctance to listen to the news and engage in worry about the election outcomes. I was on a long (21 day) cruise to Iceland and Greenland and had very limited access to the internet. I convinced myself that not listening was not participating. As I meditated my daily practice kept coming back to the message of Love. Love for those of whom I had branded as dangerous, love for those who perpetrated wars- how do I do that? I turned to Jesus (yet again) and was reminded that it was not for me to judge, but leave that to God. However, the message was also that Jesus was a radical and participated in the world. So, I am an activist without spreading hate and belittling others, reminding all that we are all immigrants and that as we live with integrity and love we will overcome whatever happens. Thanks you so much for this reflection- It really helps!
If we love the Lord, and love others, its very hard to'engage' in politics. I resonate with your experience....we cannot really start getting our mind into politics, the power games and manipulative speaking etc without being thrown off balance. I made a decision some years ago to pray for politicians, occasionally write to them about a particular issue, but otherwise 'Father forgive them they know not what they do' sums up my relationship with politics! Thank you.
Thank you for reintroducing (at least me) to the writings of Parker Palmer. I have often thought and stated- all art is political --thinking here of drawing, painting, sculpture etc. because the artist is telling a story. When Parker writes, "Politics is the Ancient and Honorable human endeavor of creating community in which the Weak flourish, LOVE and power can collaborate, and justice and mercy can have their day. " is a modern day call for the Jesus movement of the hard work of love and challenging the politics of the strong. We have a Way to go but it can be done. Gratitude and Peace!
I was pleasantly surprised by how positive and uplifting Kamala Harris' debate performance was, especially her closing statement. She stated a beautiful, uplifting, and idealistic vision of our country.
Thank you for reminding us of Parker Palmer's wisdom. I am reposting (with attribution to you) as my effort to share positive and true information about our democracy.
Thank you for this Diana, I felt myself release a breath I didn't realize I was holding after reading this. As an aside, that little typo in the Southern Lights note was absolutely perfect, I do believe our asses will need grounding and recentering.
Thank you for this consoling post, Diana. I love the Palmer quote. I often feel guilty about my own news consumption. But reading your honest reflections and Palmer’s wise words on democracy and the heart helped me thinking it through on a spiritual level. First to cherish my wish and need to be informed and second to do it with a compassionate heart.
I also agree that this election is different than others and that I have not cared that much before, though I am only in the US since the Obama years. But the Trump era is so triggering for a German who’s family has lived through two regimes in one century that to speak out this time feels like an ethical and Christian duty. I thank you for you doing so!
PS: A speaker in our church once said: I am political but not partisan. Being partisan means to care about parties. Being political means to care about the well being of our people.
This is JUST what is needed at this time. Every word true and right. Thank you, thank you, thank you. I had to share so maybe the thoughts can help others who don't know yet . . .
Your essay made me think about Pete Buttigieg's profoundly thoughtful remarks on politics as soulcraft. I don't think I am steady enough to watch the debate, but I will be reading some folks I follow on social media, sane, humane, intelligent people I trust, respect and admire as they watch and report out on it. It's the best I can do for now. Bless you for your wonderful work in the world.
Thank you for this, Diana. When I got to the end and read this:
"I find myself dreaming of a debate in which the candidates outdo one another in their plans to expand a community of neighborly love."
I said "Yes! Precisely this is what we should be about."
I keep thinking of Micah -- do justice, love kindness, and walk humbly. And I keep thinking this is why the Harris/Walz campaign has taken off like a rocket. We are hungry for neighborly love at all levels of our society.
For me, it's the neighbors who are flying flags for the party that denigrates fellow human beings; that is breaking my heart and challenging my ability to love my neighbor.
Thanks for your thoughtful words.
This reflects my own reluctance to listen to the news and engage in worry about the election outcomes. I was on a long (21 day) cruise to Iceland and Greenland and had very limited access to the internet. I convinced myself that not listening was not participating. As I meditated my daily practice kept coming back to the message of Love. Love for those of whom I had branded as dangerous, love for those who perpetrated wars- how do I do that? I turned to Jesus (yet again) and was reminded that it was not for me to judge, but leave that to God. However, the message was also that Jesus was a radical and participated in the world. So, I am an activist without spreading hate and belittling others, reminding all that we are all immigrants and that as we live with integrity and love we will overcome whatever happens. Thanks you so much for this reflection- It really helps!
If we love the Lord, and love others, its very hard to'engage' in politics. I resonate with your experience....we cannot really start getting our mind into politics, the power games and manipulative speaking etc without being thrown off balance. I made a decision some years ago to pray for politicians, occasionally write to them about a particular issue, but otherwise 'Father forgive them they know not what they do' sums up my relationship with politics! Thank you.
Thank you for reintroducing (at least me) to the writings of Parker Palmer. I have often thought and stated- all art is political --thinking here of drawing, painting, sculpture etc. because the artist is telling a story. When Parker writes, "Politics is the Ancient and Honorable human endeavor of creating community in which the Weak flourish, LOVE and power can collaborate, and justice and mercy can have their day. " is a modern day call for the Jesus movement of the hard work of love and challenging the politics of the strong. We have a Way to go but it can be done. Gratitude and Peace!
I was pleasantly surprised by how positive and uplifting Kamala Harris' debate performance was, especially her closing statement. She stated a beautiful, uplifting, and idealistic vision of our country.
Thanks.
Thank you for reminding us of Parker Palmer's wisdom. I am reposting (with attribution to you) as my effort to share positive and true information about our democracy.
Thank you for this Diana, I felt myself release a breath I didn't realize I was holding after reading this. As an aside, that little typo in the Southern Lights note was absolutely perfect, I do believe our asses will need grounding and recentering.
Thank you for reminding us of the true definition of politics.
Thank you for this consoling post, Diana. I love the Palmer quote. I often feel guilty about my own news consumption. But reading your honest reflections and Palmer’s wise words on democracy and the heart helped me thinking it through on a spiritual level. First to cherish my wish and need to be informed and second to do it with a compassionate heart.
I also agree that this election is different than others and that I have not cared that much before, though I am only in the US since the Obama years. But the Trump era is so triggering for a German who’s family has lived through two regimes in one century that to speak out this time feels like an ethical and Christian duty. I thank you for you doing so!
PS: A speaker in our church once said: I am political but not partisan. Being partisan means to care about parties. Being political means to care about the well being of our people.
This is JUST what is needed at this time. Every word true and right. Thank you, thank you, thank you. I had to share so maybe the thoughts can help others who don't know yet . . .
What a wonderful way to end your article with a new definition of politics. We need to hear this so people (and I )don’t get discouraged.
Your essay made me think about Pete Buttigieg's profoundly thoughtful remarks on politics as soulcraft. I don't think I am steady enough to watch the debate, but I will be reading some folks I follow on social media, sane, humane, intelligent people I trust, respect and admire as they watch and report out on it. It's the best I can do for now. Bless you for your wonderful work in the world.
Oh thank you, Diana. A sturdy heart and courage going forward and as I watch the debate in an hour and a half.
Thank you for this, Diana. When I got to the end and read this:
"I find myself dreaming of a debate in which the candidates outdo one another in their plans to expand a community of neighborly love."
I said "Yes! Precisely this is what we should be about."
I keep thinking of Micah -- do justice, love kindness, and walk humbly. And I keep thinking this is why the Harris/Walz campaign has taken off like a rocket. We are hungry for neighborly love at all levels of our society.
For me, it's the neighbors who are flying flags for the party that denigrates fellow human beings; that is breaking my heart and challenging my ability to love my neighbor.
It is a challenge, no doubt. I struggle with the same. And I imagine many people here do, too.