The Grace of Community
- Ellyn Dickmann
- 4 days ago
- 2 min read
I know, I know … it’s considered old news. But old news, remembered at the right time, still has the power to focus the way forward. This is that kind of news.
Thank you! I saw you out there; I felt and used your energy and your determined commitment to propel my own forward.
Did you notice it too? There were no moments of silence; instead, important words and elated, committed engagement rang out in equal measure that Saturday morning. We were in community . . . grateful for the opportunity to say aloud, donate to, cheer and march for those ideals and values we, together, hold dear.
Remembering how I was impacted by that mass-meeting time together in mid-October is mirrored in this Tibetan saying:
Wherever you have friends, that’s your country, and
wherever you receive love, that’s your home.
Surrounded in community during that rallying event, my heart gratefully opened to again feeling at home within my country
A speaker was at the podium but I was blocked from seeing her because an American flag, held by someone in the crowd a few rows up, was gently swaying at just the wrong angle. That paradox, where poor timing is ordinarily frustrating yet, at the same moment, perfectly timed, made me smile. After all, I was there because of the promises of that waving flag.
Positive energy hummed in the air – we looked to our right, and our left, in front and behind to view all who were around us. As I again faced forward, just then, the flag swayed slightly letting me see the speakers who were reminding we thousands of friends that together we would make a positive difference . . . we are our country . . . we are the home we love.
In every community, there is work to be done.
In every nation, there are wounds to heal.
In every heart, there is the power to do it.
Marianne Williamson
We’re in the midst of important heart work to repair home and country. Stay strong and positive, assured that our community will prevail, fueled by purpose, generosity, hope and the gracious promises of a waving American flag.
Jane
Thank you , Jane
Powerful, reassuring and inspiring!
Liz
These times of my life turn dark daily, zooming down the doom spiral of fear. The data backs it up, but one cannot live this way. I find home in the regular gathering of those who lift me and themselves up for the greater good. Choir is a perfect example. Sadly though, the marches and the homes don’t change anything administratively, legislatively, or institutionally. Still, they help us connect and find comfort and those are important when we have little to keep us afloat. I appreciate that. Thanks for sharing your writing.
Beautiful. Not sure why but this gives me promise because it seemed like for some time the American Flag was a topic that caused discontent when for me its has always brought hope and peace