This world is too often tangled and terrible. Never is that more evident than when another tormented soul misdirects his pain, taking innocent lives. So many lives. That level of personal anguish is incomprehensible to most of us, and my heart hurts thinking of those who grieve for the dear ones lost...
Real connection, not social media, seems to bring opportunities for radical change. There are groups in our communities who are working in this space, but I can always do more as an individual. Thanks, Catherine.
May 25, 2022·edited May 25, 2022Liked by Elizabeth Beggins
That article by Robin Kowalski is insightful. Really lays out the case for watching for signs of pain and rejection in others. The article links to a very powerful TED talk by Aaron Stark, "I was almost a school shooter." "We have to give love to those we think deserve it the least." Stunning. Think about it. In the context of the critical need for connection and acceptance, it makes perfect sense.
Thanks, Stew. Yes, the quote from Aaron Stark says it all. Anger is usually just a mask for shame. Thank god for that "one friend" who did the right thing.
Lovely piece, Elizabeth. Sublime yet provocative. I have to believe advocacy is the strongest form of kindness. It takes us out of ourselves and puts us into the worlds of those people who need the kind of help only someone with abundant kindness and empathy can give.
It often makes us warriors, which seems counterintuitive but really is not. Fighting to make a better world takes courage, fed by an underlying need to be kind.
Thanks, Ramona. You make important points. Now I am contemplating the nature of advocacy and that underlying need to be kind. That right there might be the course correction most desperately needed in our efforts.
I savored your beautiful, poignant, true reflections. They were exactly what I needed today. I join you in your commitment to generosity, to kindness, to a simple act of human-love each day -- both to express our gratitude and to generate, as you said, healing love. Thank you.
Hi, Elizabeth. After reading my weekly blog Fashioned For Joy, my high school friend Cindy Jurrius suggested that I follow your posts. I enjoy them! As you said, we and many others are good folks in this together.
Thanks for linking, Carol Ann. I spent some time this evening browsing through your posts. Appreciate your work and your transparency. Onward we go, together!
How nice of you! We can choose to matter to each other (in the broadest sense) by even the smallest actions. Your blog (not small) and mine (small-ish) definitely count!
Thank you! I needed to read your message this morning. Love you.
<3 Sometimes it's hard to remember, but dammit, love wins!
🙏🏼🙏🏼💔
A Commitment to Generosity, what a simple idea, I will join you in that effort.
Simple yet so difficult to maintain. I'll look for you as I feel my way along. Thanks, Mary.
Your writing is stunning and beautiful and I always feel buoyed by your insights
Thank you, Susan. The need to do something is strong.
YES. I'm thinking connection is the opposite of rejection. May we practice being connectors.
Real connection, not social media, seems to bring opportunities for radical change. There are groups in our communities who are working in this space, but I can always do more as an individual. Thanks, Catherine.
That article by Robin Kowalski is insightful. Really lays out the case for watching for signs of pain and rejection in others. The article links to a very powerful TED talk by Aaron Stark, "I was almost a school shooter." "We have to give love to those we think deserve it the least." Stunning. Think about it. In the context of the critical need for connection and acceptance, it makes perfect sense.
Thanks, Stew. Yes, the quote from Aaron Stark says it all. Anger is usually just a mask for shame. Thank god for that "one friend" who did the right thing.
Lovely piece, Elizabeth. Sublime yet provocative. I have to believe advocacy is the strongest form of kindness. It takes us out of ourselves and puts us into the worlds of those people who need the kind of help only someone with abundant kindness and empathy can give.
It often makes us warriors, which seems counterintuitive but really is not. Fighting to make a better world takes courage, fed by an underlying need to be kind.
Thanks, Ramona. You make important points. Now I am contemplating the nature of advocacy and that underlying need to be kind. That right there might be the course correction most desperately needed in our efforts.
I savored your beautiful, poignant, true reflections. They were exactly what I needed today. I join you in your commitment to generosity, to kindness, to a simple act of human-love each day -- both to express our gratitude and to generate, as you said, healing love. Thank you.
Such a thoughtful comment. Really appreciate it, Carol Ann. Glad to know there are good folks in this together.
Hi, Elizabeth. After reading my weekly blog Fashioned For Joy, my high school friend Cindy Jurrius suggested that I follow your posts. I enjoy them! As you said, we and many others are good folks in this together.
If you're interested, here's my post today, which presents my week of "delights." https://fashionedforjoy.com/2022/05/26/delights-may-20-to-may-26/
Thanks for linking, Carol Ann. I spent some time this evening browsing through your posts. Appreciate your work and your transparency. Onward we go, together!
How nice of you! We can choose to matter to each other (in the broadest sense) by even the smallest actions. Your blog (not small) and mine (small-ish) definitely count!