Waking Up to a New Reality

This was written early Wednesday morning after the presidential election

This morning’s news is tough on half our country. There is fear. There is devastation. There is grief.

We have a lot of work to do.

I learned through this year of grief and fear (after October 7, 2023), that I am at my best when I don’t make assumptions but ask questions about those whom I believe hold different perspectives than I do. I will be asking lots of questions to figure out why the country voted the way it did and striving to ensure we remain a compassionate and just community and country.

We live in a democracy that voted yesterday for its new leaders. May we work with all our neighbors to protect that democracy (and perhaps find a better path forward beyond the polarization of our two-party system).

May we find common ground with our neighbors and work to actualize the values we share.

May we stand fast to who we are, and never give up on creating a community that is inclusive and just and keeps everyone protected and safe.

May our language and actions heal and not harm, unify and not divide.

May we model the language and leadership we yearn to see.

May we do all that is in our power to leave our own children and all children a better world.