The Archive
The metaphor of being in the wilderness is often used in a political context to describe a period of being out of power or unsuccessful. But I’ve been thinking about what else the wilderness might offer. What if this is a time for rewilding?
More…
Pragmatic Faith has been showing up to teach me lessons recently. Faith, more broadly, is believing or acting regardless of the evidence we have. Pragmatic Faith is believing that another, better world is possible and on its way, while acknowledging the realities we face in our current world.
Accountability to those in our wake…
The how is not our issue. What prevents us from enacting change is a lack of belief. On the one hand, there are those who don’t believe everyone deserves things like housing, healthcare, and adequate income. It’s easy to find open expression of that perspective on the conservative side of the political spectrum. But America’s deeply rooted Protestant work ethic and individualism mean it shows up on the left as well.
Rethinking pragmatism
Grounding in that responsibility requires us to hold space for our grief. And outrage. And horror. Letting tenderness be a guide. Giving breath and light to the parts of us that hurt, cry, wail at the world and the suffering it wreaks. This is one of the ways we become better for each other.
Our place in the great, interconnected web of life
But one thing I am sure about for now, is that as much as it is important for me to be visible in my solidarity, it is as important—maybe more?—that I am doing the private, less applauded, long-term work of engaging with what and who makes me uncomfortable.