"Institutions aren’t great at solving individual problems.
I don’t know everything there is to know about this.
You don’t know everything there is to know about this.
There is a lot of work to be done.
There is a lot of work being done.
We will be ok if we work together. "
They're so very powerful, Sara, both because of their simplicity but also because they remind of us what we KNOW to be true, not what we hear could be true or read might be true or are afraid is possibly true or what could anger us if it was true. We're operating not from knowing right now, but from fear, anger, divisiveness, distraction, and distrust. That is dangerous for everyone, but most assuredly for those who are vulnerable right now and who need the focus to stay on help and connection and community. Thank you for illuminating what we KNOW and for kindly asking us to stop there.
This post was a compassionate reality check that I am so grateful for. I live less than 2hrs south of Asheville and connected with local support efforts in place here. I have heard the "FEMA abandonment" stories through various non-mainstream channels which have been disturbing and upsetting. Since I don't watch any regular media (and haven't for many years since it busts my anxiety threshold) I must rely on what I see and experience directly or through people I know and trust.
From friends living in Asheville, I haven't heard direct reports that corroborate the rumors, while at same time, I can understand that those rumors may be reality for some people because recovery needs of this magnitude are extraordinarily complex.
I appreciate how you articulated the seemingly opposite truths that can exist at the same time. It's so important for us to realize that as we become more polarized than ever (it seems). Again, thank you for stating these truths with bravery and eloquence.
Thank you, Tina. This article was difficult to write and even more difficult to hit 'send.' I also could not, NOT write it- if that makes sense. I'm grateful for support like yours. Of all I see happening in our world, the division feels most concerning.
These lines...
"Institutions aren’t great at solving individual problems.
I don’t know everything there is to know about this.
You don’t know everything there is to know about this.
There is a lot of work to be done.
There is a lot of work being done.
We will be ok if we work together. "
They're so very powerful, Sara, both because of their simplicity but also because they remind of us what we KNOW to be true, not what we hear could be true or read might be true or are afraid is possibly true or what could anger us if it was true. We're operating not from knowing right now, but from fear, anger, divisiveness, distraction, and distrust. That is dangerous for everyone, but most assuredly for those who are vulnerable right now and who need the focus to stay on help and connection and community. Thank you for illuminating what we KNOW and for kindly asking us to stop there.
Thank you, Jess. ❤️
This post was a compassionate reality check that I am so grateful for. I live less than 2hrs south of Asheville and connected with local support efforts in place here. I have heard the "FEMA abandonment" stories through various non-mainstream channels which have been disturbing and upsetting. Since I don't watch any regular media (and haven't for many years since it busts my anxiety threshold) I must rely on what I see and experience directly or through people I know and trust.
From friends living in Asheville, I haven't heard direct reports that corroborate the rumors, while at same time, I can understand that those rumors may be reality for some people because recovery needs of this magnitude are extraordinarily complex.
I appreciate how you articulated the seemingly opposite truths that can exist at the same time. It's so important for us to realize that as we become more polarized than ever (it seems). Again, thank you for stating these truths with bravery and eloquence.
Thank you, Tina. This article was difficult to write and even more difficult to hit 'send.' I also could not, NOT write it- if that makes sense. I'm grateful for support like yours. Of all I see happening in our world, the division feels most concerning.