The idea of Democracy is the idea that everyone should have a voice in governance. It's a way of saying that top-down authoritarian rule is not necessary in order for government to function, The idea of "Government By the People..." requires us, if it's going to really be about "all the people" to consider the diversity in our lands, and that is about empathy. We ask ourselves how our laws impact people who have different needs than our own. We keep the polls open longer and allow absentee voting so that everyone can have a chance to vote. Faithfulness to the idea that democracy can work is a motivator for social movements and for participation in general in politics, whether it's donating to a campaign or Marching in the streets.
My heart is still singing after the DC 4th concert. We live in nearby Mitchellville, MD. When I saw you were venturing to DC, I was longing to attend. I was afraid we couldn't come because of the dirty air in recent weeks and the horrid 90F weather we have had. The air was clean, there was a brief cooling sprinkle of water as we walked from the subway, a breeze made the tent area comfortable. Then you appeared and blessed my heart and that of everyone else. I am SO thankful that you said 'yes' to the invitation. You will never know how much getting to hear you in person meant to me. I thank you for the experience and will never forget it. Nancy Lively
Yes Carrie, empathy and fearlessness are great building blocks in today’s world. Your experience in DC is needed by so many to bridge that understanding. I use the words “dedication to ideals” toward democracy because I feel that, sadly, some groups have weaponized “faith” so I’m personally cautious with that term.
I think you were very brave to travel to DC for the 4th. I’m delighted to imagine a group of people singing “Room At the Table” at the nation’s capital. In my mind, I see that as a bright spot of fierce love spreading and lighting a dark space. Every participant enhanced their light there, took a brighter light with them and began to expand that bright spot. I now have to choose another music service to try to hear Wild Mercy... I’m a Pandora user... supporting the music genome project... in my personal life, my sister who lives near me, bought a horse. We’ve been estranged through this awful time, beginning in 2016. Tentative threads to remain connected were made but no long term visits and when she started talking about discovering that the world was actually flat ... I couldn’t continue a conversation. I’m hoping to use some of the tools Parker gave in the Growing Edge podcast after the 2020 election to try to have a relationship with my sister again. In her excitement, she reached out. We’ve been texting about the horse ... I don’t know what may be possible, but I still love my sister and never imagined we would be so divided in our aging years.
It heals my heart a little to read about this real life example of patriotism and religion sitting at the table with diversity and empathy. As I witness patriotism and religion reduced to anger and hate, I am tempted to shy away from those words. It breaks my heart to see the vulnerable human emotion of fear being so widely and callously used as a weapon to persuade loving people to grasp onto what they would ordinarily reject. This festival sounds so wonderful, and I thank you for sharing the experience.
And…it has always amazed me that you wear a lot of black…and you have long haired dogs!
Hello Carrie- Thank you for coming to DC. I was the white haired woman crying through your set. We must create and recreate the world as we want it to be- everyday. Your work shines a light on the path to follow. Thank you.
dear Carrie, thank you so much for this post, and for all that you do... hearing about your singing "there is room at the table for everyone" at the national mall, gives me goosebumps...
and your question about loyalty, reminds me of the title of Sulak Sivaraksa's book, "Loyalty Demands Dissent". So yes to empathy... including the empathy that is embodied in non-violent direct action, when needed, with the intention of awakening empathy more broadly...
A question that goes right to the belly. I find myself often hesitant in faithfulness as it relates to Democracy. I see the wisdom-feel it even in my heart. This more recent descent into authoritarianism feels different. Is a collapse imminent? Necessary? Fated?
These questions challenge my faithfulness. So maybe the best I can muster today is I am still here-still standing for peace and social justice and service to others. Still standing for doing better to be better.
All men, and women, are created equal. It's about standing up for yourself, instead of living in fear. It's a practice of being kind. A practice, of knowing that things are going to be all right. I cannot lose faith in democracy, in people. Community is so important to me. It builds resilience. A kind heart is a strong heart! I must accept friendship and give support so my little world, my little nation, Will make a difference. Thanks Carrie. It's always good for me to express my opinion.
but, I really don't think the two know how to play well together,
(patriotism and faithfulness).
Neither one knows how to share, how to respect each other. They each want to take the lead, to dominate, to weaken the other, to hijack, to mold it/change it/shape the other's principles like play doh to suit its own agenda. (Just compare the two agendas of jesus as president vs. trump as president)
(yeah, probably not a fair comparison, sorry god),
but I continue to see examples that show if faithfulness leads, patriotism will suffer, and if patriotism leads, faith will be deformed to suit. Yeah, like Henri Nouwen sez, we are all gods beloved children, but, I say it is best for all us beloveds all to leave patriotism and faith separate, let them each play in their own ball parks.
Hi not sure where your question is meant to lead, but I think some recent good examples of slinking into the other's ballpark is evident in the supreme court decisions of late. I do not think hiding behind the bible to get what you want is a good thing. I dunno. Would be interested in what you think.
Humm, not totally sure what you mean. Unfortunately I think some people are equating the act of being faithful to something or someone as something religious? Maybe confusing being faithful with a particular religious faith? I used the word faithfulness it was to describe staying true and hanging in there with something you feel is important. When I asked about what it means to be faithful to the ideal…I was asking if the ideal of democracy (equality, justice for all, a dedication to the common good, etc) feel worth your time and energy to work toward, worthy of your hope and daily actions to see them realized? I should have worded it a little differently. Sorry for the confusion. I personally feel that there is a very politically motivated brand of christianity that uses its own narrow interpretation of a spiritual text like a weapon, or as reasoning for some pretty hateful actions. Fundamentalism, in any spiritual tradition is not actually a spiritual movement, but always a political movement. I hope that helps.
Yeah i guess I am way down a rabbit hole of religious faithfullness, Sorry,
i guess i feel that just about all faithfullness is a condition of the heart, and has its roots in spirituality.
Maybe that is not correct.
I do note that i see some similarities in our words, yours:
"there is a very politically motivated brand of christianity that uses its own narrow interpretation of a spiritual text like a weapon, or as reasoning for some pretty hateful actions" and mine:
"Neither one knows how to share, how to respect each other., (patriotism and faithfulness)."
Aren't these folks also being faithful to an ideal? Maybe to a fault?
Who decides where to draw the line?
I kinda just blindly innocently assumed common sense would always prevail, until it got pushed off the table.
(probably just apples and oranges, but thanks for taking time to respond.)
Regarding empathy, I try and always greet every person I encounter with a smile, a hello and a thank you. My favorite story occurred several years ago when I was at my doctors office. She was very kind and always took time to listen which is something I find increasingly rare in the medical profession. On this particular day, as she was reviewing my chart and asked me how I was doing, I replied and then asked her the same. She turned in her chair, smiled and looked dumbfounded. She then thanked me in a manner that told me nobody ever took the time to ask her.
She is now unfortunately retired but on my last visit, we hugged and cried at our parting of ways. I will always remember that and feel certain she does to. ✌️
I just finished reading "Harriet Tubman: Bound for the Promised Land" by Kate Clifford Larson so my thoughts for this July 4th were a bit different on freedom. I have been thinking about what do I do to promote freedom in the world. When I think of all Ms.Tubman did surely I can do something. So I shared with some friends of mine simple ways to help make people feel more free. Here is what I came up with: We can feed those in need and by doing that they will feel free of hunger for awhile. We can send cards, call, text people who need contact and that way they will be free of feeling lonely. We can pray for the oppressed and support their cause and that way they will know we want them free from oppression. We can plant flowers, grow bees and butterflies, stop using so much water and plastic and that way we are freeing the planet from some harm. Lastly we can just try our best to free our hearts from hate. To me these are all expression of faithfulness and patriotism we can all do. Thank you Carrie for being you...through your music, poetry, posts you give me the freedom to pause, to think, and to enjoy.
Your presence makes a difference
The idea of Democracy is the idea that everyone should have a voice in governance. It's a way of saying that top-down authoritarian rule is not necessary in order for government to function, The idea of "Government By the People..." requires us, if it's going to really be about "all the people" to consider the diversity in our lands, and that is about empathy. We ask ourselves how our laws impact people who have different needs than our own. We keep the polls open longer and allow absentee voting so that everyone can have a chance to vote. Faithfulness to the idea that democracy can work is a motivator for social movements and for participation in general in politics, whether it's donating to a campaign or Marching in the streets.
My heart is still singing after the DC 4th concert. We live in nearby Mitchellville, MD. When I saw you were venturing to DC, I was longing to attend. I was afraid we couldn't come because of the dirty air in recent weeks and the horrid 90F weather we have had. The air was clean, there was a brief cooling sprinkle of water as we walked from the subway, a breeze made the tent area comfortable. Then you appeared and blessed my heart and that of everyone else. I am SO thankful that you said 'yes' to the invitation. You will never know how much getting to hear you in person meant to me. I thank you for the experience and will never forget it. Nancy Lively
Thank you for a beautiful sharing of feelings and thoughts that are so very relatable in this moment of time.
Carrie, thank you for coming to the Folklife Festival and lending your voice to “Creative Encounters:Living Religions In The USA” !
It was a warm gathering of spirits.
About empathy, I remember the line from Harper Lee’s “To Kill a Mockingbird”, when Atticus was talking to his youngest child:
“You never really understand a person until you consider things from his point of view - until you climb into his skin and walk around in it.”
I lift up your gifts in deep gratitude. I intend that all the support you need will automatically appear.
Yes Carrie, empathy and fearlessness are great building blocks in today’s world. Your experience in DC is needed by so many to bridge that understanding. I use the words “dedication to ideals” toward democracy because I feel that, sadly, some groups have weaponized “faith” so I’m personally cautious with that term.
I think you were very brave to travel to DC for the 4th. I’m delighted to imagine a group of people singing “Room At the Table” at the nation’s capital. In my mind, I see that as a bright spot of fierce love spreading and lighting a dark space. Every participant enhanced their light there, took a brighter light with them and began to expand that bright spot. I now have to choose another music service to try to hear Wild Mercy... I’m a Pandora user... supporting the music genome project... in my personal life, my sister who lives near me, bought a horse. We’ve been estranged through this awful time, beginning in 2016. Tentative threads to remain connected were made but no long term visits and when she started talking about discovering that the world was actually flat ... I couldn’t continue a conversation. I’m hoping to use some of the tools Parker gave in the Growing Edge podcast after the 2020 election to try to have a relationship with my sister again. In her excitement, she reached out. We’ve been texting about the horse ... I don’t know what may be possible, but I still love my sister and never imagined we would be so divided in our aging years.
It heals my heart a little to read about this real life example of patriotism and religion sitting at the table with diversity and empathy. As I witness patriotism and religion reduced to anger and hate, I am tempted to shy away from those words. It breaks my heart to see the vulnerable human emotion of fear being so widely and callously used as a weapon to persuade loving people to grasp onto what they would ordinarily reject. This festival sounds so wonderful, and I thank you for sharing the experience.
And…it has always amazed me that you wear a lot of black…and you have long haired dogs!
Peace and Joy.
Hello Carrie- Thank you for coming to DC. I was the white haired woman crying through your set. We must create and recreate the world as we want it to be- everyday. Your work shines a light on the path to follow. Thank you.
dear Carrie, thank you so much for this post, and for all that you do... hearing about your singing "there is room at the table for everyone" at the national mall, gives me goosebumps...
and your question about loyalty, reminds me of the title of Sulak Sivaraksa's book, "Loyalty Demands Dissent". So yes to empathy... including the empathy that is embodied in non-violent direct action, when needed, with the intention of awakening empathy more broadly...
with much love and appreciation...
A question that goes right to the belly. I find myself often hesitant in faithfulness as it relates to Democracy. I see the wisdom-feel it even in my heart. This more recent descent into authoritarianism feels different. Is a collapse imminent? Necessary? Fated?
These questions challenge my faithfulness. So maybe the best I can muster today is I am still here-still standing for peace and social justice and service to others. Still standing for doing better to be better.
Thank you Carrie. You are a bright light.
Continue to stand and be Peace
Having faith in democracy is a practice.
All men, and women, are created equal. It's about standing up for yourself, instead of living in fear. It's a practice of being kind. A practice, of knowing that things are going to be all right. I cannot lose faith in democracy, in people. Community is so important to me. It builds resilience. A kind heart is a strong heart! I must accept friendship and give support so my little world, my little nation, Will make a difference. Thanks Carrie. It's always good for me to express my opinion.
Sorry to be a eeyore,
but, I really don't think the two know how to play well together,
(patriotism and faithfulness).
Neither one knows how to share, how to respect each other. They each want to take the lead, to dominate, to weaken the other, to hijack, to mold it/change it/shape the other's principles like play doh to suit its own agenda. (Just compare the two agendas of jesus as president vs. trump as president)
(yeah, probably not a fair comparison, sorry god),
but I continue to see examples that show if faithfulness leads, patriotism will suffer, and if patriotism leads, faith will be deformed to suit. Yeah, like Henri Nouwen sez, we are all gods beloved children, but, I say it is best for all us beloveds all to leave patriotism and faith separate, let them each play in their own ball parks.
How is playing in your own ball park feel?
Hi not sure where your question is meant to lead, but I think some recent good examples of slinking into the other's ballpark is evident in the supreme court decisions of late. I do not think hiding behind the bible to get what you want is a good thing. I dunno. Would be interested in what you think.
Humm, not totally sure what you mean. Unfortunately I think some people are equating the act of being faithful to something or someone as something religious? Maybe confusing being faithful with a particular religious faith? I used the word faithfulness it was to describe staying true and hanging in there with something you feel is important. When I asked about what it means to be faithful to the ideal…I was asking if the ideal of democracy (equality, justice for all, a dedication to the common good, etc) feel worth your time and energy to work toward, worthy of your hope and daily actions to see them realized? I should have worded it a little differently. Sorry for the confusion. I personally feel that there is a very politically motivated brand of christianity that uses its own narrow interpretation of a spiritual text like a weapon, or as reasoning for some pretty hateful actions. Fundamentalism, in any spiritual tradition is not actually a spiritual movement, but always a political movement. I hope that helps.
Yeah i guess I am way down a rabbit hole of religious faithfullness, Sorry,
i guess i feel that just about all faithfullness is a condition of the heart, and has its roots in spirituality.
Maybe that is not correct.
I do note that i see some similarities in our words, yours:
"there is a very politically motivated brand of christianity that uses its own narrow interpretation of a spiritual text like a weapon, or as reasoning for some pretty hateful actions" and mine:
"Neither one knows how to share, how to respect each other., (patriotism and faithfulness)."
Aren't these folks also being faithful to an ideal? Maybe to a fault?
Who decides where to draw the line?
I kinda just blindly innocently assumed common sense would always prevail, until it got pushed off the table.
(probably just apples and oranges, but thanks for taking time to respond.)
Regarding empathy, I try and always greet every person I encounter with a smile, a hello and a thank you. My favorite story occurred several years ago when I was at my doctors office. She was very kind and always took time to listen which is something I find increasingly rare in the medical profession. On this particular day, as she was reviewing my chart and asked me how I was doing, I replied and then asked her the same. She turned in her chair, smiled and looked dumbfounded. She then thanked me in a manner that told me nobody ever took the time to ask her.
She is now unfortunately retired but on my last visit, we hugged and cried at our parting of ways. I will always remember that and feel certain she does to. ✌️
I just finished reading "Harriet Tubman: Bound for the Promised Land" by Kate Clifford Larson so my thoughts for this July 4th were a bit different on freedom. I have been thinking about what do I do to promote freedom in the world. When I think of all Ms.Tubman did surely I can do something. So I shared with some friends of mine simple ways to help make people feel more free. Here is what I came up with: We can feed those in need and by doing that they will feel free of hunger for awhile. We can send cards, call, text people who need contact and that way they will be free of feeling lonely. We can pray for the oppressed and support their cause and that way they will know we want them free from oppression. We can plant flowers, grow bees and butterflies, stop using so much water and plastic and that way we are freeing the planet from some harm. Lastly we can just try our best to free our hearts from hate. To me these are all expression of faithfulness and patriotism we can all do. Thank you Carrie for being you...through your music, poetry, posts you give me the freedom to pause, to think, and to enjoy.