Love Wins

On the morning after the election, I woke up with a feeling of despair about how things are going for our country. Regardless of whether you liked one candidate more than the other, a lot of people are struggling with hope right now. But as I was waking up that Wednesday, the thing that pulled me out of the darkness was remembering the beautiful faces of the people I love. People who are doing good things. And I was flooded with a feeling of gratitude for these people. Jamie who delivers groceries to people through mutual aid. Jessica who volunteers at the high school to teach kids the joy of experimental theater. Gina who gives 110% of her life to bringing the healing power of art and music to young people. Margot who has a space that lets people dance like no one’s watching for an hour and a half every week. KK who organizes a parent group to advocate for queer rights in the school system. Matt who started a sacred burial society through the synagogue. Katy who organizes song circles, so people can create music together. I thought about them and so many more who share my love for our community; who wake up every morning to try to make life better for those around them. 

It reminded me of a poem by Nikita Gill that goes:

 

“Everything is on fire,

but everyone I love is doing beautiful things 

and trying to make life worth living,

and I know I don’t have to believe in everything,

but I believe in that.”

 

I’ve been thinking of this poem every day. People are doing beautiful things. Good things. And I remember that goodness does exist. That it’s something we can build, intentionally, on a local level. We can continue to build networks of care and protection for each other. That’s how I’m holding onto hope for our world. I know I don’t have to believe in everything, but I believe in that.