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Writer's pictureSusan McIntosh

A Pivoting - Or Pivotal - Post

I can't continue to sit idly by, and let fear take over our communities.


When I was in high school, one of my adult mentors started calling me his “Little Leo” after author Leo Buscaglia. I was - to be honest - a bit of a Pollyanna. Everything was beautiful, life was abundant, and I was happy. Fast forward 40 years. Everything is still as beautiful as it was, but I’ve grown - a lot. 


Life is complex, and there’s no getting around that. But life is still beautiful, and abundant, and wonderful. Oh yeah, it sucks sometimes (like now, while I’m isolating with Covid in the basement). And there are always obstacles to face - life would be pretty dull without obstacles, right?!


So this will be my meanderings on life in general, with diversions into the work world (working in teams, developing psychological safety), the church world (do we still need church, even in a post-Christian society?), and politics (how can we bravely face the issues of today without feeling beaten?).


In 2017, after our 45th president was sworn into office, I got my first tattoo. “Only Love.” It’s on my right arm, so that I can remember to extend love to the people that I meet. And no, it’s not from U2’s lyrics, although that would also be meaningful for me. It’s from Martin Luther King, Jr. “Darkness cannot drive out darkness. Only light can do that. Hate cannot drive out hate. Only love can do that.” Reverend King spoke truth to power, and continues to do so now. 


I will speak out against the fear-mongering and hate-filled, divisive rhetoric. Yes, fear is a powerful motivator. But fear ensures that power is kept by the powerful. Love is also a powerful motivator. And love shares power. 


Christianity should not be based on fear. That’s certainly not what Jesus was about. Jesus wanted to turn the tables upside down. Jesus wanted the outcast to be welcome home. So how come Christianity has become so exclusionary? It’s used as a symbol of power and authority now, not as a reminder that we are all simply trying to live our lives with a little dignity, a little grace, and a little love.



single candle, burning in the dark


I have a quote from Doris Lessing on my bulletin board. It’s been there for at least a dozen years. “Whatever you’re meant to do, do it now. The conditions are always impossible.” I can no longer wait for conditions to get better, because they keep getting worse. I need to make the conditions better myself, but simply starting.


All right, last quote for this post (how many is too many?). Micah 6:8 has been my personal light for decades. “What does the Lord require of you? Do justice, love mercy, and walk humbly with your God.” How can I exemplify Micah 6:8 in all that I do? For starters, I can't stay silent. I must speak out against hate, and stand up for love, for justice, and for mercy.


What can you start today, to make the conditions around you a little better? Can you smile at a stranger? Can you stop a bully? Can you speak out against injustice?


We make our own culture. If we let fear overwhelm us, well, fear will win. When we let our own love shine brightly, when we put love back into our world, well, love will win.


 


I want your feedback! What do you think of the direction of this post? Is it worth exploring? Post a comment below, or, click the heart, to share your love!

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