Author: ScottMGS

I am open to receiving feedback on ways that my choice of words could be improved to be more welcoming and less offensive. No, I’m not trying to be “politically correct”, just less of a jerk. Photos and writing are copyrighted by me. Pronouns: they/them/their or he/him/his See the About Me page for more info.

“Beyond the Politics of Hope” | Andy Batcher

Andy Batcher’s post Beyond the Politics of Hope strikes a chord with me. He writes, in part, “The problem is congregations will often speak about, and subtly give themselves credit for, work that is more transformative than what they actually do.”

If I apply this to me, personally, it tells me that I feel entitled to apply the credit for things I’ve already done to current and future (and different) work. Somehow, I might feel that this absolves me from having to pitch in now. If I am obnoxious about it I might be smug and self-righteous. Worse, I might become indignant if someone calls me in (or calls me out) on my bullshit.

To be clear, the work I’ve done on, say, youth issues does not mean that I’ve done my work on feminism, white supremacy, LGBT+, immigration, poverty, etc. Not even close.

If the shoe fits…

Note: I am open to receiving feedback on ways that my choice of words could be improved to be more welcoming and less offensive. No, I’m not trying to be “politically correct”, just less of a jerk.

Grief Requires Care

The response to grief (one’s own or another’s) requires care – care of self and care of others. The essay Everyone Around You is Grieving. Go Easy. by John Pavlovitz speaks to me. I want to move through the world being sensitive to those around me. I’m not sure that I can do it continuously – that could be exhausting! – but I think that my tendency toward introversion may be based in part on my ability to observe the emotional states of others.

I was at the store one evening earlier this week. I was in a backed-up checkout line and noticed a woman who seemed on the verge of tears. I almost asked if she was okay but ended up not because I thought that if I did it might break her apparent determination not to cry. Of course, I was also weighing what it could cost me (in emotion and attention) if she did break down. I weighed that against the chance that she would appreciate – or not appreciate – being seen in that state.

The tenth anniversary of my mom’s death is less than two weeks away. For whatever reason my grieving doesn’t go the “blubbering” route but I do get the “gaping chasm” part, the “why am I buying bananas” part. After ten years I am much less encumbered by that grief.

Yet, I see much more grief in the world these days. In the essay, he lists a number of reasons that people may be stumbling through the world in pain and grief. It is assuredly a partial list but, as someone who is trying to see the world with an additional focus on racism and oppression, I notice that his list does not include the grief of people who live in the shadows of our culture of bigotry:

  • Those fearing summary deportation without (adequate) due process
  • Those worrying about extrajudicial killings targeting black, brown, native, and mentally ill people.
  • Those caught in grinding, multigenerational poverty.

…and more. I am working toward seeing the world with open eyes, open mind, open heart, and open hands.

Note: I am open to receiving feedback on ways that my choice of words could be improved to be more welcoming and less offensive. No, I’m not trying to be “politically correct”, just less of a jerk.