This morning I'm re-reading a story I wrote during the pandemic. (Viral on my substack). The division during that time and all of us needing to isolate.
I try to remember that although it's a fact that we are all flawed, we are not necessarily failing. That is a value judgment, and one that could contribute to unnecessary depression.
If I might interject the DC police handled the situation well as they would any horrific encounter with potential loss of life. The presence of Pirro and Patel was only to show Trump they're on the job and not because either was needed at all at this point. Mayor Bowzer's brief and to the point statement was also correct. That Trump wants to send 500 more guards to sweep streets and hang out in tourist areas as our cold rainy snowy weather starts ONLY adds more people to be the target of concern. BUT our president likes to use the guard to be his private police. Something he totally forgot on Jan 6 2021.
Wishing you and yours a happy and blessed Thanksgiving too, John. I am among those who have no maga in my family, I wish everyone had that same blessing. For those who are struggling, prayers for peace of mind.
My current family is my wonderful spouse and our two rescue cats. Some days we rescue each with purrs and gentleness. Our extended families are many intervening states away by distance and sometimes by attitudes and anger. I remember huge multigenerational Thanksgiving gatherings in the deep south and his more family only groups. BUT we cherish each other and our friends who are local and this wonderful group who take living this miraculous gathering in the mess. Thanks for all of you.
Trusting that this too shall pass, focus on what I’m grateful for today, believe that God is working all things together for good even now. Shine brightly in the darkness.
Hi John, I am eternally grateful and thankful for your wise counsel today. I, as perhaps many others, am torn about breaking bread today with family members, including my wife, who are supporters of this administration’s policies. Therefore they not only condone, but are complicit in the intentional suffering of others. It would be easy to “ghost,” but I won’t do that. This may be my mother’s last Thanksgiving, so I will go, but with the mantra of “kind truce” repeating in my head. I will not mention politics, but I will also find it difficult to pretend and make small talk. I value trying to be a positive force in the world. So I’ll go and probably stay mostly quiet and spend time with my mom. I was going to wear my cap that says “Democracy” on it to make a statement. But after listening to you I’ll leave it at home. I hope you are able to enjoy the day with your family. Be well.
This Thanksgiving/Day of Mourning, I am grateful for your deep understanding of our humanity and the loving invitation you offer to us to be gentle with ourselves and each other anyway. We’re doing the best we can with what we’ve got.
Sent before done- (and sorry for misspelling). I know the Lord is with us through these times, no doubt. Keeping my eye and heart on that truth. Blessings to all.
This post brings this song “Mercy” to mind. My husband started singing out of the blue during our intimate Thanksgiving meal prepared together last night, as we were reflecting on past holiday memories since we live out of state from all our relations now.
This morning I'm re-reading a story I wrote during the pandemic. (Viral on my substack). The division during that time and all of us needing to isolate.
Life keeps on lifing no matter what I do.
Might as well dance.
Live in gratitude today if you can.
I try to remember that although it's a fact that we are all flawed, we are not necessarily failing. That is a value judgment, and one that could contribute to unnecessary depression.
I just listened to the DC presser, featuring Trump administration all stars like Jeanine Piero and Kash Patel. Both were obnoxiously partisan hacks.
If I might interject the DC police handled the situation well as they would any horrific encounter with potential loss of life. The presence of Pirro and Patel was only to show Trump they're on the job and not because either was needed at all at this point. Mayor Bowzer's brief and to the point statement was also correct. That Trump wants to send 500 more guards to sweep streets and hang out in tourist areas as our cold rainy snowy weather starts ONLY adds more people to be the target of concern. BUT our president likes to use the guard to be his private police. Something he totally forgot on Jan 6 2021.
Today I’m thinking about my family, friends and all those living in the U.S.
I sincerely hope that the tide turns soon and rebuilding can begin. This has been a painful education for everyone.
Wishing you and yours a happy and blessed Thanksgiving too, John. I am among those who have no maga in my family, I wish everyone had that same blessing. For those who are struggling, prayers for peace of mind.
My current family is my wonderful spouse and our two rescue cats. Some days we rescue each with purrs and gentleness. Our extended families are many intervening states away by distance and sometimes by attitudes and anger. I remember huge multigenerational Thanksgiving gatherings in the deep south and his more family only groups. BUT we cherish each other and our friends who are local and this wonderful group who take living this miraculous gathering in the mess. Thanks for all of you.
Trusting that this too shall pass, focus on what I’m grateful for today, believe that God is working all things together for good even now. Shine brightly in the darkness.
Hi John, I am eternally grateful and thankful for your wise counsel today. I, as perhaps many others, am torn about breaking bread today with family members, including my wife, who are supporters of this administration’s policies. Therefore they not only condone, but are complicit in the intentional suffering of others. It would be easy to “ghost,” but I won’t do that. This may be my mother’s last Thanksgiving, so I will go, but with the mantra of “kind truce” repeating in my head. I will not mention politics, but I will also find it difficult to pretend and make small talk. I value trying to be a positive force in the world. So I’ll go and probably stay mostly quiet and spend time with my mom. I was going to wear my cap that says “Democracy” on it to make a statement. But after listening to you I’ll leave it at home. I hope you are able to enjoy the day with your family. Be well.
I hope things are going/went as well as they could under these circumstances.
This Thanksgiving/Day of Mourning, I am grateful for your deep understanding of our humanity and the loving invitation you offer to us to be gentle with ourselves and each other anyway. We’re doing the best we can with what we’ve got.
Sent before done- (and sorry for misspelling). I know the Lord is with us through these times, no doubt. Keeping my eye and heart on that truth. Blessings to all.
Here's hoping you and your readers have a wonderful Thanksgiving holiday 🦃
Happy Thanksgiving, John and all!
Try mindfulness, be calm and present. Then go for it.. it is what it is. Your inner wisdom will guide you.
This post brings this song “Mercy” to mind. My husband started singing out of the blue during our intimate Thanksgiving meal prepared together last night, as we were reflecting on past holiday memories since we live out of state from all our relations now.
https://open.spotify.com/track/6684GUHy1jpyhJVzpz5OFr?si=tS294pFmTVCEkNr0A6LB5w
You are always so helpful.
Thank you.