January 9th, 2024
We have different definitions for what it is that makes us human, but mine is pretty simple.
Humans have the ability to protect those who are the most vulnerable, and know how noble and sweet it is to care for, shelter, and serve those who need us most.
There is a very, very good chance that this will be a very, very ugly year for most of us.
If you remember nothing else I write this year, I want you to remember this:
Targeting, attacking, or harming vulnerable people in any way is inhuman.
You need to keep this in your head and heart, and recognize it when you see it. Because you will see it a lot this year, and that should be, as the kids say, a big red flag.
Weirdly, I was wrong when I thought something all Americans had in common was a love (or at least respect) for the United States Constitution. Specifically, the part that “secure[s] the Blessings of Liberty to ourselves and our Posterity.”
Personal freedom.
The idea that, as long as you weren’t hurting anybody else, you could say and do and be anything you please, with the responsibility and consequences for those free actions.
This does not seem to be the case.
And we see it: the inhumane attacks on vulnerable people in this country for simply trying to be who they are.
The inhumanity of places that do not believe in personal freedom.
At the risk of sounding like a Jesus-loving hippie, we have a love problem. Not the kind we keep for our parents or children.
No, the love we have for absolute strangers. For our acquaintances and neighbors. The kindness and benefit of doubt that we wish everyone would share with ourselves.
We need that kind of love. Especially so now.
And love doesn’t mean you have to agree with or even like anybody else.
It just means you recognize how vulnerable they are; that they are as vulnerable as you.
And you deserve to be cared for, sheltered, and served.
If you remember nothing else I write this year, please remember that.
The Den 