Marching for Love

Good morning and happy Martin Luther King Day! Thanks to Google for reminding me, the ever-out-of-touch-with-the-calendar, about today's holiday. I mean, I do remember what day of the week it is, and I do try to keep pace with the schedule of holidays. However, there is so much happening inside my brain, trying to keep up with my life, that often I forget little things, like major world events or holidays. This morning during the course of writing this newsletter, I have probably conducted at least 8 Google searches. Being curious about today's header picture, I clicked on it, only to be reminded that today we are honoring the late Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Wow. How interesting, sad, ironic, poignant that his commemoration day this year comes four days before the day on which we will inaugurate someone who is so not Dr. King-like.

I am not a politician. I am not a woman. I am not Hispanic. Ultimately. I am a small spiritual soul who in this lifetime works as a caterer, a teacher, and a kirtan musician. And I think that whatever side of the fence you sit on, politically, you must admit that we are facing a time at which it appears that so many of the social changes that Dr. King and hundreds of others like him worked so hard to bring about, are in very real danger of being systematically unraveled. This is a time when those of us who care about the greater humanity, our country's impact on the world, and the ideal of democracy itself, must Do Something.

It can be overwhelming when there is so much to be done, and you might not know where to start or how to make a difference. Here is one way. Mark your calendar for January 21st. Cancel your appointments. Take this Saturday to meet with, to stand with, to march with some folks who are doing something to get the attention of the State Legislature and the country at large. The Women's March on Raleigh begins at 10 am this Saturday at City Plaza in Raleigh. If that feels too scary, and I totally get why it might, check out their website. There are lots of ways to learn about local activists, contribute financially, and volunteer. Seek out other local organizations dedicated to protecting and preserving civil rights in our state like the NAACP and ACLU. If any of those actions feel too overwhelming or too far outside your comfort zone, and I totally get that feeling too, then make a commitment to in whatever small way feels good to you, to show love and kindness to those you come in contact with. Without a doubt, Love is The Way. Each and every time we show love to someone, our heart grows bigger and stronger, especially if that someone is challenging to love.

Let me know if you plan on coming to the march on Saturday. I will be there!

#MartinLutherKingDay #Google #impact #WomensMarchonRaleigh #love #kindness #NAACP #ACLU