Things Fall Apart
As a citizen of the United States, a student of history, and a person of faith, I find the current direction of this country alarming. The real-time dismantling of social safety nets and other programs that keep people, our communities and our environment safe(r) is unconscionable. Watching people who are already on the margins — the poor, the ill, the elderly, immigrants and others — sit helplessly in the crosshairs of sweeping, inhumane policy changes is heartbreaking.
The temptation to tune-out is real, but having ones’ head in the sand doesn’t negate the very real fear and pain of our neighbors and community members. I’d like to believe there are more people in this country who agree what’s happening is detestable and cannot stand. I’d really like to believe that. But in case I’m wrong, I fall back on scriptural evidence that in times of turmoil God always preserves a remnant of people who will not capitulate to evil, and hope that will somehow be enough to keep this place from devolving into a complete hellscape.
While the unraveling may worsen, what I know for sure is that sometimes things have to fall apart in order for something new and better to arise. I hold on to the hope that one day people will finally understand what the 92% of African American women voters communicated at the ballot box in November, that voting for values that prioritize people over profit will always benefit the greater good.
In the meantime, resistance is the way forward; find what’s yours to do, do it and do it scared if you have to. Resistance requires good presence of mind and this will be a marathon and not a sprint, so let’s get our minds together. I’ve posted a new series of 2-minute meditations based on scripture. Regular meditation can combat the dysregulation of the nervous system that can happen in times of high stress, fear or anxiety. Meditating on scripture reminds us of the presence, promises and provision of God and helps clarify our purpose in times like these. You can find the meditations on TikTok, Instagram and YouTube.
Be well, stay safe and God help the United States of America.
