After a Year, Enough
I have lived in shock for a year. I could not believe that a man who put himself at the center of the universe and tore down everyone around him in the ugliest manner possible had been elevated to the presidency. The vote of my fellow and sister Americans sanctioning his behavior felt like gaslighting, an attempt to convince me that all I saw in him was not so. I have spent the last twelve months searching for, and latching on to, evidence that I was not, in fact, deluded but was right about him, which evidence has poured forth like the proverbial floodwaters.
I’m done with that. I was right. And I’m moving on.
I have my own little red God wagon to take care of. By which I mean, my most important duty is to try to discern the actions God wants me to take, and take them. Every second I spend confirming and reconfirming and confirming yet again that the president is a bigoted bully is time spent away from my work.
The year wasn’t wasted. It’s made me struggle with my own reactions. To parse my very personal anger at a man I don’t even know. To understand how hate-filled public policy gets adopted. To identify exactly who I want to support in the political process. To put the onus back where it belongs: on me.
And what is the next step for me? I have a voice, and I intend to use it in the way I have been given. I will publish work about grief and homelessness and racism and God’s love for the world, the categories I use on this blog to describe who I am. I guarantee you, not a one of them will align with the president’s beliefs. That won’t matter. What’s important is that they will align with mine.
derrickjknight
Good thoughts, but, without getting in the way of your moving on, I must say I feel for you
Ellen Morris Prewitt
Thank you. Your empathy actually helps, so I appreciate it.
Joe Hawes
I can only agree. Unfocused anger is self-destructive, so I think we must make use of the energy anger gives us and join you in using our gifts for the greater good. I have decided that my mission will be to encourage people to become active on behalf of justice and fair play. The political situation has deteriorated to the point that hate and greed rule the day which has had the effect of reducing many of us to unfocused fury. So I will be urging people to become active, to join groups working for change, to support progressive candidates with money and action, to run for office themselves, to speak up for what is right, to hold elected officials accountable, to begin the process of changing this unfortunate turn of events. The time for weeping is past and the time for action has arrived. We must also realize that restoring peace and harmony will not come easily or quickly, nor cheaply.
You have raised your voice in the cause and I believe it will inspire others as it has inspired me.
Ellen Morris Prewitt
What wonderful, practical, inspiring thoughts, Joe. It was worth writing this blog post just to get that comment!
Joe Hawes
The same to you.
emma
AMEN and AMEN!
Ellen Morris Prewitt
And, of course, I will need all of y’all to hold me accountable to keep steady on this new path.
Donna Weidner
Bravo! Amen! And ditto on previous comments!
Ellen Morris Prewitt
Thank you! I am happy about it myself.
Joanne Corey
Thank you for your positive voice and actions, Ellen. There is so much need around us, but Divine Love is abundant.
Ellen Morris Prewitt
Thank you, and Merry Christmas to you and yours