Your indulgence please as I don my elder's cap to explain why in these times "hope is a good thing . . . maybe the best of things" (Stephen King). During the Nixon years, I was a peace activist, and draft counselor. My peers and I believed America would never recover from an imperial presidency that brought us democracy's darkest days. More than one million Asians were killed, maimed and displaced during Nixon's secret war within the Vietnam War. Federal agents infiltrated peace and civil rights organizations to spy and provoke violence. Enforcement and military personnel arrested and killed activists. Construction unions were enlisted to beat up demonstrators. An official domestic enemies list was used to spur IRS investigations and ruin reputations. In 1972, 49 states supported Nixon's re-election. Just over a year later the most powerful modern president resigned in disgrace. Since those dark days, the right to marry has been enshrined; women's rights established; modern environmentalism launched; laws against ethnic, age, and gender discrimination strengthened; polio conquered -- and more. In the midst of my formative political years I had not the courage or hope to see any of that coming down the road. Yes, there will always be steps backward, battles for justice will always rage, and corrupt leaders will always emerge. Those are also always temporary (I am on my 13th president), and there is something in our DNA that is permanent. Our energy and commitment overcomes seemingly overpowering odds. And change we can only imagine eventually becomes reality. We just have to remember and persevere.
My kid recently got into D & D. Her character is a non-binary, chaotic neutral wood gnome. She is a total nerd-queer. She told me about a show called "Over the Garden Wall" which I watched and loved.
She's eleven - and her entire generation is sharing the isolation and difficulty. They will have each other to talk to and recover with when the vaccine is out and we're all gathering again. They're gonna be fine. God help us to learn from them.
After the above, I started watching "Bethany Hamilton: Unstoppable". That girl is my new hero. I'm taking a break because I'm about to start crying. Super inspiring.
I know that she would love the show the D&D Critical Role (www.critrole.com or their Twitch or Youtube channels). Warning: the language is definitely salty at times, and there are some adult themes (suggestions more than graphic descriptions) - so maybe not for an 11-year old. If she likes graphic novels, their Vox Machina comics by Dark Horse are good. This fall their animated series The Legend of Vox Machina will premiere on Amazon Prime! The animated series will definitely be kid-friendly.
I try to remember that our ancestors also faced terrible things in their lives and they survived. I am grateful for inherited resilience and hope there's plenty in reserve.
Dear Nadia and friends, please be aware that many of us in Australia are praying for you as your elections draw near. We pray that you may be blessed with wise leaders, who have the welfare of the people in their hearts. That God will protect you from chaos and violence. Blessings, Lesley
I'm rooting for Lottie this year. She's my favorite. GBBO is a lifesaver.
I try not to let the despair swirl two close in, but the hard season is coming. Winter, seasonal depression, being less than a month away from 30 with no real accomplishments to show for it, not to mention fascism and the end of the world.
Why do we do this election crap in November? Isn't this time of year already hard enough with the holidays and stuff?
Zach, I feel you. Winter might be really extra hard this year. I'm intentionally saying "might," in hope that you'll hold a little opening for the possibility that wonderful things will surprise you. I hope that for you.
my husband was hit by a car while biking, needed emergency brain surgery and has a traumatic brain injury: and the outpouring of love and food has been amazing, from all corners of our lives, with such generosity... it doesn't change the shit-show going on politically, but puts it in a larger context. daily my tears and gratitude flow
The only place I find freedom from catastrophic thinking is in 12- Step (Zoom) rooms at this time. “We have no opinion on outside issues.”
In the UMC I pastor in rural Oklahoma? Catastrophic thinking, misinformation, and imo, serious deviation in following Jesus. (Ie: I was told wearing a mask is “ridiculous and disrespectful.”)
In the UMC I direct music, they wouldn’t listen to me about congregational singing - super spreader behavior. Started back Sunday in person and people sang their brains out indoors, by the grace of God, with masks. I did not attend because I felt so conflicted. And anxious! No one will listen to the science. I think I’m going to have to tender my resignation. I don’t know how to go back...
I have despaired ...and i had tv on for background noise and heard a quote accredited to herodios ‘we can contend with the evil men do in the name of evil, but heaven protect us from what they do in the name of good. I have been chewing on this idea ever since...
And i don’t have tv to recommend - but loved the new fictional work of Fredrick Backman, Anxious People. Lovely work ending with friendships and reconciliations.
I can't wait to read Anxious People! I have read everything by Backman and loved every word. He is a gem of a writer - really understands humanity in all its ugliness and beauty and always seems to make a compelling case that beauty and love win (or are more resilient than the ugliness).
I think now the way I remember people can be amazing is just noticing the little things I use to take for granted. Someone hold the door open for me so I don't come into contact with it, someone compliments my pride mask, the youth group I minister to says thank you after each zoom meeting, and my fiends and parishoners constantly remind me that I am doing good with my job and pick me up when I sart to doubt my abilities. These are all things that people have always done but through 2020 and the events I have seen and appreciated them a lot more. its a beautiful thing.
Nadia, sometimes using your imagination can help. When I hear "catastrophic thinking," I imagine a corkscrew slide you are sliding down, down, down. I imagine a loved one -- a mom, a sister, a brother, a father, a friend -- stepping up ti the slide and catching you in their arms, lifting you off that downward spiral and holding you close in their strong arms. You can relax in their arms, knowing and feeling their love.
My primary purpose.....to help the alcoholic who still suffers. Watching the light come on in someone's eyes, even through Zoom, reminds me that people are amazing. Plus, hiking at 5:30 am, reminds me that where I am - right where my feet are (thanks, Al S.), is astounding, especially as I see God's light turn on over the Pacific Ocean.
I started reading Job again this week because I swear all of our lives are slowly turning into his. I would love to believe I will be as God-seeking and humble as Job was. But, I am not Job. As much as I revere God, I really do want to demand answers like a petulant child. But, God knows me. He doesn't answer me with words or any discernable written truth. He answers me with the cool fall wind blowing even though it is still ridiculously hot outside. He answers with a beautiful Blue Heron staring back at me from the pond. He answers me with the children coming to school and remaining fairly healthy in our Covid-filled environment. He answers me with hope and peace that I don't feel right now. I pray that you find his love, mercy, and comfort. I pray we all do.
Your indulgence please as I don my elder's cap to explain why in these times "hope is a good thing . . . maybe the best of things" (Stephen King). During the Nixon years, I was a peace activist, and draft counselor. My peers and I believed America would never recover from an imperial presidency that brought us democracy's darkest days. More than one million Asians were killed, maimed and displaced during Nixon's secret war within the Vietnam War. Federal agents infiltrated peace and civil rights organizations to spy and provoke violence. Enforcement and military personnel arrested and killed activists. Construction unions were enlisted to beat up demonstrators. An official domestic enemies list was used to spur IRS investigations and ruin reputations. In 1972, 49 states supported Nixon's re-election. Just over a year later the most powerful modern president resigned in disgrace. Since those dark days, the right to marry has been enshrined; women's rights established; modern environmentalism launched; laws against ethnic, age, and gender discrimination strengthened; polio conquered -- and more. In the midst of my formative political years I had not the courage or hope to see any of that coming down the road. Yes, there will always be steps backward, battles for justice will always rage, and corrupt leaders will always emerge. Those are also always temporary (I am on my 13th president), and there is something in our DNA that is permanent. Our energy and commitment overcomes seemingly overpowering odds. And change we can only imagine eventually becomes reality. We just have to remember and persevere.
Love this. Thank you.
Thank you.
Wow. I lived through it, too, and agree. Thanks for reminding me.
My Octopus Teacher. Very touching.
Love the message-
Me too.........so very beautiful amazing and heartfelt
My kid recently got into D & D. Her character is a non-binary, chaotic neutral wood gnome. She is a total nerd-queer. She told me about a show called "Over the Garden Wall" which I watched and loved.
She's eleven - and her entire generation is sharing the isolation and difficulty. They will have each other to talk to and recover with when the vaccine is out and we're all gathering again. They're gonna be fine. God help us to learn from them.
D&D was a life line for my queer teen.
After the above, I started watching "Bethany Hamilton: Unstoppable". That girl is my new hero. I'm taking a break because I'm about to start crying. Super inspiring.
I know that she would love the show the D&D Critical Role (www.critrole.com or their Twitch or Youtube channels). Warning: the language is definitely salty at times, and there are some adult themes (suggestions more than graphic descriptions) - so maybe not for an 11-year old. If she likes graphic novels, their Vox Machina comics by Dark Horse are good. This fall their animated series The Legend of Vox Machina will premiere on Amazon Prime! The animated series will definitely be kid-friendly.
I try to remember that our ancestors also faced terrible things in their lives and they survived. I am grateful for inherited resilience and hope there's plenty in reserve.
I’ve been binge-watching Call the Midwife. Every episode ends with Love. Every. Single. Episode. It’s gritty and messy and hopeful
Only tv show that makes me cry on a consistent basis
love that show!
This is my go to show when reality gets too difficult.
Dear Nadia and friends, please be aware that many of us in Australia are praying for you as your elections draw near. We pray that you may be blessed with wise leaders, who have the welfare of the people in their hearts. That God will protect you from chaos and violence. Blessings, Lesley
I'm rooting for Lottie this year. She's my favorite. GBBO is a lifesaver.
I try not to let the despair swirl two close in, but the hard season is coming. Winter, seasonal depression, being less than a month away from 30 with no real accomplishments to show for it, not to mention fascism and the end of the world.
Why do we do this election crap in November? Isn't this time of year already hard enough with the holidays and stuff?
God help me keep it at bay.
Zach, I feel you. Winter might be really extra hard this year. I'm intentionally saying "might," in hope that you'll hold a little opening for the possibility that wonderful things will surprise you. I hope that for you.
my husband was hit by a car while biking, needed emergency brain surgery and has a traumatic brain injury: and the outpouring of love and food has been amazing, from all corners of our lives, with such generosity... it doesn't change the shit-show going on politically, but puts it in a larger context. daily my tears and gratitude flow
I’m so sorry. Healing prayers!
thank you
Anybody seen any "Marvelous Mrs. Maisel" episodes? she never gives up.
The only place I find freedom from catastrophic thinking is in 12- Step (Zoom) rooms at this time. “We have no opinion on outside issues.”
In the UMC I pastor in rural Oklahoma? Catastrophic thinking, misinformation, and imo, serious deviation in following Jesus. (Ie: I was told wearing a mask is “ridiculous and disrespectful.”)
Lord, hear our prayer.
In the UMC I direct music, they wouldn’t listen to me about congregational singing - super spreader behavior. Started back Sunday in person and people sang their brains out indoors, by the grace of God, with masks. I did not attend because I felt so conflicted. And anxious! No one will listen to the science. I think I’m going to have to tender my resignation. I don’t know how to go back...
I have despaired ...and i had tv on for background noise and heard a quote accredited to herodios ‘we can contend with the evil men do in the name of evil, but heaven protect us from what they do in the name of good. I have been chewing on this idea ever since...
And i don’t have tv to recommend - but loved the new fictional work of Fredrick Backman, Anxious People. Lovely work ending with friendships and reconciliations.
I can't wait to read Anxious People! I have read everything by Backman and loved every word. He is a gem of a writer - really understands humanity in all its ugliness and beauty and always seems to make a compelling case that beauty and love win (or are more resilient than the ugliness).
I have read everything he has written too. Beauty and live win - yes!
I think now the way I remember people can be amazing is just noticing the little things I use to take for granted. Someone hold the door open for me so I don't come into contact with it, someone compliments my pride mask, the youth group I minister to says thank you after each zoom meeting, and my fiends and parishoners constantly remind me that I am doing good with my job and pick me up when I sart to doubt my abilities. These are all things that people have always done but through 2020 and the events I have seen and appreciated them a lot more. its a beautiful thing.
Nadia, sometimes using your imagination can help. When I hear "catastrophic thinking," I imagine a corkscrew slide you are sliding down, down, down. I imagine a loved one -- a mom, a sister, a brother, a father, a friend -- stepping up ti the slide and catching you in their arms, lifting you off that downward spiral and holding you close in their strong arms. You can relax in their arms, knowing and feeling their love.
My primary purpose.....to help the alcoholic who still suffers. Watching the light come on in someone's eyes, even through Zoom, reminds me that people are amazing. Plus, hiking at 5:30 am, reminds me that where I am - right where my feet are (thanks, Al S.), is astounding, especially as I see God's light turn on over the Pacific Ocean.
I shut the TV off and started listening to Buddy Guy. As for the The Great British Baking Show - it is amazing. Only thing I watched yesterday.
EXCELLENT IDEA!!! Chase all this k rap away with some BLUES
Check out a guy from out here on the east coast Bobby Blackhat and maybe also some Anthony Rossano and the Conqueroos
I started reading Job again this week because I swear all of our lives are slowly turning into his. I would love to believe I will be as God-seeking and humble as Job was. But, I am not Job. As much as I revere God, I really do want to demand answers like a petulant child. But, God knows me. He doesn't answer me with words or any discernable written truth. He answers me with the cool fall wind blowing even though it is still ridiculously hot outside. He answers with a beautiful Blue Heron staring back at me from the pond. He answers me with the children coming to school and remaining fairly healthy in our Covid-filled environment. He answers me with hope and peace that I don't feel right now. I pray that you find his love, mercy, and comfort. I pray we all do.