Love Better
I spend a lot of time second guessing myself lately. Professional decisions loom large, my faith is constantly tested, my patience is frayed. The only thing I know for sure is that I am called to write. To lay down these words at the altar of hope.
Two days ago, a gunman, a homegrown hate criminal, dealt death to 11 individuals in a Pittsburg synagogue because he had a perverted idea that Jews are the enemy of his (white) people. I won't even go into how this situation has been heightened and incited by US political leaders. You already know.
I have struggled over and over again with how to talk about instances like today. How to write with a modicum of kindness in the face of hatred. Whether lashing out is the right thing to do because there's no excuse for this behavior. Murder is never the right decision. The fact that anyone has to say that out loud is ridiculous.
I do know that we have to love each other better. I've been haunted by brash, generalized statements I made during the election. I could've done better. Much better. I did not love well.
Right now, the biggest call I feel is to tell the people around me how deeply loved they are. Everyone in my life, from you, readers, to my family, friends, the people I've grown up with. I love them all for one reason or another. I feel the need to tell them. To be openly kind, even in the face of disagreement.
Does that mean we shouldn't call out lies? No. I wouldn't let my son get away with that. I wouldn't let him lie or be hateful. I would lovingly correct and guide him.
We have to love better. More thoroughly. It doesn't fix everything, but it's a start. It's something I can offer.
13 Comments
Sara
I’m so glad you’re returning to share your thoughts with the world. I agree, both with your sense that reopening the conversation is a calling you should respond to as well as the urging toward kindness. Thanks.
Andi
Thank you so much for the comment, Sara! It’s been heavy on my heart to write, and I’m tickled to be getting in on Nonfiction November, too! Happy accident. lol
Iliana
Love your new home! And, well said Andi. We must continue to love better!
Andi
It’s tough sometimes, but I’m sure trying.
Dana
Very well said, Andi. Love won’t fix it all but it will make a gigantic step towards it. Love your new home on the web. Glad you are still writing.
Andi
Every bit counts, right? 🙂
Susan in TX
Such a good word! Loving better is always the goal, and it is a definite struggle somedays, but it’s worth it. Hoping to get back to blog reading. Love that you are still at it – always provoking us to think.
Andi
I’m so glad to see your name in my comments! I’ve been a very bad blog reader lately, too. I feel ready to get back into the swing! I hope your reading is going swimmingly, Susan!
Les in OR
You always have a way of speaking exactly what’s on my mind. Yes. We have to love better. It’s not a quick and easy cure, but it certainly matters and CAN make a difference.
Thinking positive thoughts for the coming days in this midterm election!
Love your new site!
Andi
Aww, thank you, Les! Lots of good thoughts!
Les in OR
Is there a way to get an email when you respond to a comment or to see further comments from other readers? I didn’t notice a box to check.
Andi
Hmm, let me see what I can do on the back end.
Andi
Added a comment subscription option!