"and the people bowed and prayed, to the neon god they made"
A pondering
Over the past several years, I have learned to experience grief as a collective. In fact, I have learned to experience a variety of emotions as a collective, but this past week has been one in which I leaned into grief.
Grief for the black youth who have received unwarranted and cruel texts about being enslaved.
Grief for the threats of sexual assault that are being spewed in the high school and middle school hallways.
Grief for the various groups of people who feel insecure about healthcare, specifically women and trans.
Grief for the setbacks and roadblocks being put into place for the ones who tried to make a felt difference for the marginalized.
Grief for the communities that have been slandered, villainized, and victimized by the very people who are supposed to protect them.
Grief for people who put their bank accounts ahead of their neighbors.
Grief for the immigrants, legal or not.
But if there is one thing I believe from Scripture, it is this: those who sow weeping shall return with joy.1 Over the ups and downs of my life, I have cultivated resilience. Not because I wanted to, but because I had to - I know that many people who struggle the most are also resilient. They have already gone through pain, heartbreak, and silent suffering.
How do we do it? We do it one step at a time, finding the friends who will care for us in the lowest moments. The government - federal, state, and local - has never been the source of well-being for people. Power corrupts, and absolute power corrupts absolutely. So look for humble workers who put their heads down and planted the seeds of care and compassion. They are still working for all of us because they are one of us.
For the Ears
The lyrics of this song seemed prescient this week.
For the Eyes
There are plenty of excellent writers sharing on Substack right now. If there is one thing writers do in times of upheaval, it is write.
For the Taste Buds
I cannot condone Starbucks shoving Christmas flavors in my face as soon as Halloween ends, so I will steadfastly hold off on anything peppermint, eggnog, praline, etc. It’s a small way to push back on capitalistic consumerism. Another way I push back is by supporting my small local coffee places instead of Starbucks and making simple syrups and creamers at home.
A simple syrup recipe: Combine one cup of sugar (or use honey, maple syrup, or a sweetener replacement) with one cup of water. Bring to a gentle simmer on the stovetop. Add flavor from extracts, herbs, spices, or any flavor you like with coffee, and let simmer for 10 minutes. Strain into a bottle or jar. Allow to cool and store in the fridge for daily use.
May this week bring love to your senses and your soul.
Psalm 126
A song of ascents.
1 When the Lord restored the fortunes of Zion,
we were like those who dreamed.
2 Our mouths were filled with laughter,
our tongues with songs of joy.
Then it was said among the nations,
“The Lord has done great things for them.”
3 The Lord has done great things for us,
and we are filled with joy.
4 Restore our fortunes, Lord,
like streams in the Negev.
5 Those who sow with tears
will reap with songs of joy.
6 Those who go out weeping,
carrying seed to sow,
will return with songs of joy,
carrying sheaves with them.