Yes, I have felt this way, especially when I awaken in the middle of the night. It is as if my mind is constantly seeking a solution to this mayhem. Prayer helps in the middle of the night. Peaceful activism helps during daylight hours🕊️🙏💙
Totally understand; and when I look at the assassination attempt, I think if it had been successful, he’d have been a martyr, so am glad they failed. But there’s a part of me that says that was his plan, it was a fake assault to garner sympathy. Most of us wake up in the night and pray for this nightmare to end.
Absolutely, I identify with her! I have said similar words myself. I have been trying to avoid full-out hatred, and am failing. And let me be clear, I get the distinction between the “sin” and the “sinner”—I am talking about the “sinner”. In those moments, I have often muttered to myself to get a grip and find something productive to do that might help someone else. Luckily, I am involved in some volunteer initiatives that provide me a way to channel energy. And yet, I don’t want to have to manage myself this way! Ugh. Your words help, John.
I really needed to see this today. As a single mom who has worked so hard for decades to raise my kids, and then finally start saving for my own retirement, while leaving for them what I hoped would be a beautiful world, this year has been devastating.
I am wishing for Trump to die, and the sooner the better. Let's not forget that Jesus Christ drove the grifters in the Temple out--with a whip, in the version of the story I read. And there's a well-known story about the Buddha that has him throw a man overboard the ferry he was on when he discovered the man was in cahoots with some pirates who were planning to board, pillage and sink the ship. Allegedly, he said something to the effect that he would 'take the karma' (eg responsibility) to save the others on board. Lesser of two evils. And no, I don't want Trump to suffer, just stop wrecking the economy, casting the poor into outer darkness, exposing us all to sickness and death, shredding our laws and acting as a catalyst for all that's vile in our national character. Period. No phony equivocation and no apologies, thank you very much.
I want him to feel fear. Most bullies end up feeling great fear when what they have done catches up with them. He smirks and acts all courageous. I'd like to know that his end resembled Mussolini's and Hitler's. I will not apologize for my feelings. I talk to God, and I know He knows me. I just stay honest!
MAria, I am not a GoT person but I am with you: I have a list. And I do not feel guilty about the idea that I will, indeed, be happy when they are gone.
It grieves me to say that I have found myself wishing some of our leaders dead - even fantasizing that a sharpshooter would show up, as they do in movies. Don’t show me your sacred texts. Instead live the faith you claim to have. Rationally, I know that I can only influence the space around me: Three Feet or So as Carrie Newcomer sings; being kind and caring; choosing to help where I can. God, give me the strength to do so.
I totally relate. Until this post, I only shared my darkest thoughts about select individuals (virtually all of whom are politicians, religious leaders or pundits) untimely and very painful demise with my husband. Of course, the reality of their demise is not in my control and I absolutely don't want them to become martyrs. That said, I would not grieve or necessarily rejoice if it happens as someone even worse may come along. I gain solace and am uplifted by interacting with fellow congregants at First Unitarian Church of Portland (OR) and other like minded humans such as John Pavlovitz and his followers! Blessings one and all.
I'm sorry, John: I will boldly say that I want these assholes to die.
There is such a thing as a moral war. We're facing such a choice today, right now, right this very second.
The hard reality is that these monsters aren't going to change (except for the worst), aren't going to repent or feel sadness or regret, aren't going to come around, aren't going to do anything except more harm to innocents, more harm to this planet.
They cheated their way into the White House (again) and now are laying waste to everything. Rage is appropriate here; so is a burning desire to visit justice upon them.
That justice, I believe, is coming sooner than later. And I will be happy to join those who are going to dispense it.
I believe it's more important in these times to stay human and allow emotions to enter and leave, for us to acknowledge what we are experiencing and how we feel about it. Of course I can relate to the feelings the woman expressed with no judgement whatsoever. And, I know that harboring contempt and hatred is usually caused by one's struggle with self judgement for the experience, much more helpful to acknowledge and allow to move through and out...energy in motion. It's unhealthy, I can feel it in my body, when I get stuck in rage, despair indicating I may be entertaining righteous indignation to no end.
You're a better person than I am, John. I fantasize about various punishments on these evil people if they don't truly repent. And so many of them are vile people whose hearts are so dark and whose souls -- what's left of them -- are so shredded and stained that they will never, ever repent. I take some comfort in knowing what awaits them in the afterlife, but I'd rejoice to see definite reaping what they've sown in this life.
There will never be a world without predators, bullies, or malevolent people. The hope is they become the minority, maybe even the 30%. As far as what I’m doing with the anger, I’m commenting on Substacks and growing an ulcer, and doing my job as a therapist.
I'm not surprised by the anger I feel. A retired school teacher and then as a retired minister, pushed out as pastor when I came out as a trans woman, I have a lot of fear and so, anger. Fear not so much for myself but for young trans people all across the country, as well as for all oppressed groups. Of course, more and more for the average person being hurt more and more. I've wrestled with the idea of loving my neighbor, and reading your comments on that topic has both offered some comfort, but also discomfort. How did South Africans deal with Apartheid, slaves with the harsh cruelty of their servitude, Jews with the Holocaust, and so very many in the world under the heal of cruel dictatorial tyrants? Which neighbors did Dietrich Bonhoeffer love, as he conspired against Hitler? I honestly can't relate very much with any of these people; I've got it so much easier, at least so far. In the past, I've thought I believed in loving ALL one's neighbors, but this is hitting too close to home. I can't and don't excuse myself for not fully buying into the words of Jesus in this case. I try to rationalize by telling myself the hate I feel is raw emotion overcome by the circumstances while intellectually I know that love IS the way. Even considering MLK, his words and his approach, though, I know he was far from a perfect human being. I don't want to excuse myself from my failings, but neither will I condemn myself. And finally, feeling and expressing my anger is a way of releasing the tension of that anger. Releasing whatever I can, allows me to find and feel some joy that refreshes me enough to resume the resistance.
Yes, I have felt this way, especially when I awaken in the middle of the night. It is as if my mind is constantly seeking a solution to this mayhem. Prayer helps in the middle of the night. Peaceful activism helps during daylight hours🕊️🙏💙
Totally understand; and when I look at the assassination attempt, I think if it had been successful, he’d have been a martyr, so am glad they failed. But there’s a part of me that says that was his plan, it was a fake assault to garner sympathy. Most of us wake up in the night and pray for this nightmare to end.
Absolutely, I identify with her! I have said similar words myself. I have been trying to avoid full-out hatred, and am failing. And let me be clear, I get the distinction between the “sin” and the “sinner”—I am talking about the “sinner”. In those moments, I have often muttered to myself to get a grip and find something productive to do that might help someone else. Luckily, I am involved in some volunteer initiatives that provide me a way to channel energy. And yet, I don’t want to have to manage myself this way! Ugh. Your words help, John.
I really needed to see this today. As a single mom who has worked so hard for decades to raise my kids, and then finally start saving for my own retirement, while leaving for them what I hoped would be a beautiful world, this year has been devastating.
I am wishing for Trump to die, and the sooner the better. Let's not forget that Jesus Christ drove the grifters in the Temple out--with a whip, in the version of the story I read. And there's a well-known story about the Buddha that has him throw a man overboard the ferry he was on when he discovered the man was in cahoots with some pirates who were planning to board, pillage and sink the ship. Allegedly, he said something to the effect that he would 'take the karma' (eg responsibility) to save the others on board. Lesser of two evils. And no, I don't want Trump to suffer, just stop wrecking the economy, casting the poor into outer darkness, exposing us all to sickness and death, shredding our laws and acting as a catalyst for all that's vile in our national character. Period. No phony equivocation and no apologies, thank you very much.
I want him to feel fear. Most bullies end up feeling great fear when what they have done catches up with them. He smirks and acts all courageous. I'd like to know that his end resembled Mussolini's and Hitler's. I will not apologize for my feelings. I talk to God, and I know He knows me. I just stay honest!
SO relatable. I am like Arya Stark at this point - I have a list. Nope, not feeling guilty about it.
MAria, I am not a GoT person but I am with you: I have a list. And I do not feel guilty about the idea that I will, indeed, be happy when they are gone.
Great response. We have to focus on the positive things we can do.
Martin Luther King, Jr.: “Hate cannot drive out hate; only love can do that.”
Yes. We need guidance for the depth of anger and grief this coup is causing the hearts and souls of those who care.
It grieves me to say that I have found myself wishing some of our leaders dead - even fantasizing that a sharpshooter would show up, as they do in movies. Don’t show me your sacred texts. Instead live the faith you claim to have. Rationally, I know that I can only influence the space around me: Three Feet or So as Carrie Newcomer sings; being kind and caring; choosing to help where I can. God, give me the strength to do so.
Thank you for this. I vowed to never hate anyone but find myself feeling the rage as so much pain is inflicted on so many.
I totally relate. Until this post, I only shared my darkest thoughts about select individuals (virtually all of whom are politicians, religious leaders or pundits) untimely and very painful demise with my husband. Of course, the reality of their demise is not in my control and I absolutely don't want them to become martyrs. That said, I would not grieve or necessarily rejoice if it happens as someone even worse may come along. I gain solace and am uplifted by interacting with fellow congregants at First Unitarian Church of Portland (OR) and other like minded humans such as John Pavlovitz and his followers! Blessings one and all.
Hey, a sister! Thank you!
I'm sorry, John: I will boldly say that I want these assholes to die.
There is such a thing as a moral war. We're facing such a choice today, right now, right this very second.
The hard reality is that these monsters aren't going to change (except for the worst), aren't going to repent or feel sadness or regret, aren't going to come around, aren't going to do anything except more harm to innocents, more harm to this planet.
They cheated their way into the White House (again) and now are laying waste to everything. Rage is appropriate here; so is a burning desire to visit justice upon them.
That justice, I believe, is coming sooner than later. And I will be happy to join those who are going to dispense it.
Thank you. I'm encouraged.
I believe it's more important in these times to stay human and allow emotions to enter and leave, for us to acknowledge what we are experiencing and how we feel about it. Of course I can relate to the feelings the woman expressed with no judgement whatsoever. And, I know that harboring contempt and hatred is usually caused by one's struggle with self judgement for the experience, much more helpful to acknowledge and allow to move through and out...energy in motion. It's unhealthy, I can feel it in my body, when I get stuck in rage, despair indicating I may be entertaining righteous indignation to no end.
You're a better person than I am, John. I fantasize about various punishments on these evil people if they don't truly repent. And so many of them are vile people whose hearts are so dark and whose souls -- what's left of them -- are so shredded and stained that they will never, ever repent. I take some comfort in knowing what awaits them in the afterlife, but I'd rejoice to see definite reaping what they've sown in this life.
There will never be a world without predators, bullies, or malevolent people. The hope is they become the minority, maybe even the 30%. As far as what I’m doing with the anger, I’m commenting on Substacks and growing an ulcer, and doing my job as a therapist.
All good except the ulcer. Praying for healing.
I'm not surprised by the anger I feel. A retired school teacher and then as a retired minister, pushed out as pastor when I came out as a trans woman, I have a lot of fear and so, anger. Fear not so much for myself but for young trans people all across the country, as well as for all oppressed groups. Of course, more and more for the average person being hurt more and more. I've wrestled with the idea of loving my neighbor, and reading your comments on that topic has both offered some comfort, but also discomfort. How did South Africans deal with Apartheid, slaves with the harsh cruelty of their servitude, Jews with the Holocaust, and so very many in the world under the heal of cruel dictatorial tyrants? Which neighbors did Dietrich Bonhoeffer love, as he conspired against Hitler? I honestly can't relate very much with any of these people; I've got it so much easier, at least so far. In the past, I've thought I believed in loving ALL one's neighbors, but this is hitting too close to home. I can't and don't excuse myself for not fully buying into the words of Jesus in this case. I try to rationalize by telling myself the hate I feel is raw emotion overcome by the circumstances while intellectually I know that love IS the way. Even considering MLK, his words and his approach, though, I know he was far from a perfect human being. I don't want to excuse myself from my failings, but neither will I condemn myself. And finally, feeling and expressing my anger is a way of releasing the tension of that anger. Releasing whatever I can, allows me to find and feel some joy that refreshes me enough to resume the resistance.
An excellent post.