How To Change The World
There has been so much unrest in our country and the world in the last few weeks, and I've found myself nearly paralyzed with despair more than a few times.
I'm sure that the extended lockdown has contributed to the collective frustration and rage that we are seeing played out on the streets, and I've been horrified myself as I watched both the agonizing video of George Floyd and the subsequently agonizing images of businesses being looted and innocent bystanders being killed in the riots.
But being paralyzed with despair will get us nowhere, and so I wanted to share a few things that we can do to recover from crisis, both as a family and a community.
Take time to grieve. Your reasons for grieving don't have to be the same as mine, but we all need to take time to grieve. The events of this year have stolen from our families, and it's okay to acknowledge that. My process is to set aside some quiet time to write down all that I'm agonizing over, and then to give it to God. I cry if I need to, but then I write down what I feel he is speaking to me. Maybe it's a verse, or maybe it's a letter from him, but I want to let Jesus comfort my heart in the midst of crisis (Psalm 37 has been an especial comfort to me).
Send the unproductive feelings away. Once I've taken time to grieve my feelings, I ask Jesus to take away the feelings that aren't helping me. The confusion, despair, rage, judgement, and anything else that is stealing from my ability to be present and loving to my children. They will pick up on what I am feeling, and it's important to clear things up for me, so that I can pay attention to them.
Forgive. During this time of unrest, I've tried to express empathy for what the black community is going through, and found that my efforts were too much for some and not enough for others. Even as a parent, I've gotten feedback from my adult children about mistakes that I've made, despite herculean efforts to be a great parent. When we get negative feedback from people, it can be easy to either try to turn the blame back on them or become paralyzed and stop trying. Instead, if we do our best to hear them out and empathize with them, and then in our own quiet time work through forgiveness, we can keep the slate clear and stay empowered to help.
Do something. Once I've worked through my own emotions, I look at what I can productively do to change the situation. Can I give money to help lift people out of poverty? Can I read a book to my children that highlights the power of the human spirit? Can I fast and pray? Can I take food to an elderly neighbor? Can I check in on black friends? Instead of just reading more news, I look for something kind and productive to do that will contribute to solutions.
Love my family. Mother Teresa said, "What can you do to promote world peace? Go home and love your family." When we stay present to love the people in our own home, we are creating a ripple effect. And as we expand our capacity to love, even in the midst of a crisis, we expand our capacity to love those outside of our home. I've had a few moments in the last few months where I've failed at this, mindlessly scrolling the news instead of being there for my people, but when I shut down the news and love actively, I'm modeling love for my children, and empowering them to make an impact in their spheres of influence.
Do you want more ideas for changing the world? Check out this list of books about overcomers, and hit reply to let us know about your favorite organizations that are doing good in the world.