The air sizzles with tension. I see so much hatred on the news. I see and hear about rising conflicts in the world. I hear the noise from the nearby military base as they practice, and it makes my gut twist.
Rev. Melissa Hill of ADF wrote a great piece that really sums up a lot of my feelings, and highlights how I, and so many, could do more to improve things.
I’ve been mentally exhausted lately. Sometimes I feel too weighed down by my own stress to feel that I can make a difference. Sometimes I just want to lose myself in my writing, in fantasy stories from others… Hill’s piece renewed my strength. Until I’m financially in a place to give monetary support, I will continue to do my best to speak out when I see racism and oppression. I’ll do my best to give my students a safe place to be themselves and discuss their worries. I’ll work to communicate better with parents, to show them that I value diversity, respect their language, their cultures, and try to include them in the school community more often. I’ll continue to make sure others know my grove strives to be a safe, inclusive place. As I work on my book, I’ll try to be more mindful of diversity. I will remain open and receptive when others approach me with ways to improve in these areas.
Be it so.
