I'm pretty much avoiding social media today and I refuse to watch the news FOR THE NEXT FOUR YEARS, but when I saw your piece pop up in my email, I felt willing to read it. Because it's you. And you didn't fail me. I love you, Linda. What a gift your words are today. Oh, and also. I'm sorry. I'm just so sorry on behalf of this sucky world.
Thanks so much for your encouragement. The whole population that voted blue likely feels much like what we "othered others" have felt all along. Ignored. Despised. Denigrated by folks who bleed just like we do. I know I'll always be in that, "Oh, she's not normal" group, but it's easier to swim in circles with your pals swimming alongside you. Let's hope we can find the strength to keep resisting this fascist stuff. Even though I probably won't have one, I want my headstone to read, "Still, she persisted." Love you so very much, sister. Keep loving--it's all we can do that lasts. Hope you'll stay in touch here at The Deep End. ~Linda
I knew that same thing about trump—that he is cruel but tries to pass off the hideous behavior as a joke. I cry with frustration at every “love your neighbor as yourself” Christian who chose to elect a cruel man who uses and abuses others—just because he said some words about how special they are, and threw in unborn children to sweeten the pot.
I was in a similar situation in my marriage to a charming bully. He charmed all the church members and bullied us at home.
Trump’s othering touches so many of us or people we love. His hatred of what isn’t like him.
I feel as betrayed by all those red voting “love your neighbor” folks who have just made it okay again to claim holy reasons to hate, mock, and grope.
I have non-straight family. Non-white family. They are hardest hit in this election and I am enraged at what they’ve already endured. Now my ex-church family are sanctioned to hate, to misunderstand, to Other.
I too am heartbroken that the "nons" will be affected most. I'm hearing all sorts of stuff about how Dems don't appeal to common sense--well, what IS that? Tradition? Patriarchy? I don't know. Now that the smug Christians have won, I hope they'll start hearing God's plea for love and kindness. ~Soldier On, Linda
Wowzer LBB, you’ve done it again. Crafted words into a touchstone for all of us who can’t (and wouldn’t want to) see ourselves fitting into the apparent preferred way forward. Our job ahead isn’t a new one, just a tougher one this time round.
I am still a bit numb as are a lot of us. Yet I have to say I wouldn't vote for someone as cruel as he is for dog catcher. No matter what. Love you back, Linda
I'm pretty much avoiding social media today and I refuse to watch the news FOR THE NEXT FOUR YEARS, but when I saw your piece pop up in my email, I felt willing to read it. Because it's you. And you didn't fail me. I love you, Linda. What a gift your words are today. Oh, and also. I'm sorry. I'm just so sorry on behalf of this sucky world.
H,
Thanks so much for your encouragement. The whole population that voted blue likely feels much like what we "othered others" have felt all along. Ignored. Despised. Denigrated by folks who bleed just like we do. I know I'll always be in that, "Oh, she's not normal" group, but it's easier to swim in circles with your pals swimming alongside you. Let's hope we can find the strength to keep resisting this fascist stuff. Even though I probably won't have one, I want my headstone to read, "Still, she persisted." Love you so very much, sister. Keep loving--it's all we can do that lasts. Hope you'll stay in touch here at The Deep End. ~Linda
Brilliant, Linda. Thanks so much for your heartfelt sharing. We always must keep our love lights burning, and even more so now. Hannah
Hannah,
Thanks. Love is so dangerous--but it runs straight through Jesus' heart. Much love to you, Linda
Thanks Linda. I needed your words. Janet
Janet,
I needed them too. I'll be praying that our next four years won't completely tank our democracy. Soldier On, Linda
I knew that same thing about trump—that he is cruel but tries to pass off the hideous behavior as a joke. I cry with frustration at every “love your neighbor as yourself” Christian who chose to elect a cruel man who uses and abuses others—just because he said some words about how special they are, and threw in unborn children to sweeten the pot.
I was in a similar situation in my marriage to a charming bully. He charmed all the church members and bullied us at home.
Trump’s othering touches so many of us or people we love. His hatred of what isn’t like him.
I feel as betrayed by all those red voting “love your neighbor” folks who have just made it okay again to claim holy reasons to hate, mock, and grope.
I have non-straight family. Non-white family. They are hardest hit in this election and I am enraged at what they’ve already endured. Now my ex-church family are sanctioned to hate, to misunderstand, to Other.
What a time this is.
Julie,
I too am heartbroken that the "nons" will be affected most. I'm hearing all sorts of stuff about how Dems don't appeal to common sense--well, what IS that? Tradition? Patriarchy? I don't know. Now that the smug Christians have won, I hope they'll start hearing God's plea for love and kindness. ~Soldier On, Linda
Wowzer LBB, you’ve done it again. Crafted words into a touchstone for all of us who can’t (and wouldn’t want to) see ourselves fitting into the apparent preferred way forward. Our job ahead isn’t a new one, just a tougher one this time round.
Love you and thank you my dear, LNBB
My dear LNBB,
I am still a bit numb as are a lot of us. Yet I have to say I wouldn't vote for someone as cruel as he is for dog catcher. No matter what. Love you back, Linda