Elul Reflections - Day 21

(published early before Shabbat)

Politically, I see myself as fairly un-savvy and inarticulate. For the most part I know the issues: I know what I believe fundamentally. I read many different issues daily and struggle to find truth in the space between the words, in what isn't being said. I also cry when I see destruction of any kind; I fear pain for others and myself. And while I might feel uncomfortable sharing my thoughts or even considering my own thoughts, I do have opinions about most everything.

At the end of the day, I fear the future for so much of humankind. I wish I felt like I could really make a difference; I wish I believed in my ability to use my voice for good, to make the world a better place, but I wonder if I have what it takes. Yet there really is no option for me to sit back and do nothing or to be uninformed. Only knowledge can lead to using my voice to do my part, making a difference, and ultimately creating a better world with those that believe in actively engaging in the holy work.

There are many labels that I use to describe myself and some that others use to describe me. I care about the environment and believe that Global Warming (or whatever it is called today) is worthy of fear; that makes me an environmentalist. I love Israel, but despise her government; that makes me anti-Zionist (nope). I believe in a women's right to take care of herself and her body; that must mean I don't believe in a child's right to thrive. the Republican party terrifies me with their view of the world around them; guess I am a Democrat. The world around me matters; human-rights is our responsibility. If we walk in the world, we have a responsibility to engage the process of creating a world that will be healthy not only for ourselves, but for future generations. Do these views make me liberal, krunchy granola, progressive, or another name? Hopefully these views make me thoughtful.

The bottom-line is I am trying to "be the change I want to see in the world" (Gandhi); I am trying to live consciously and know the issues. These days I am wondering how I can do my part to create a better world. How do I listen more fully to the views of others so that I can learn and shape thoughts that are uniquely my own? Can I accept the opinion of someone who wears a striped tie over that of someone who would wear a Jerry Garcia tie? How can I use my knowledge to make a difference and how can I do it here in Tucson?

There is so much to do? There are so many issues to consider, to tackle? Yet I must find my voice and take the words of an early blog (http://lightwavejourney.wordpress.com/2012/09/04/elul-reflection-day-17-inch-by-inch/) to heart, "Only through movement will I move forward, will I learn I new skill, will I gain insight. Only through movement will I succeed in my endeavors." Inch by inch (folk song), Bird by Bird (Anne Lamott). . . . .

Politically articulate I might never be, but my opinions matter. Your opinions matter. Now what are we going to do about it?