Courage: A message from the heart.
Inspired by Jesse Paris Smith today
A few minutes ago, I was reading the latest from
- who reminded me that this is the anniversary of the birth of Joan of Arc. This led me to reflecting on the several depictions of Joan that exist around me here in Washington DC. There are more than a few! Striking to think that the young woman in question not only existed historically but lived just 19 years.This is January 6 - and a scant four years ago, things were going a bit more than sideways in Washington, DC. Today, we awoke to a coating of white over the city.
Nothing will quite whitewash the acts of men (and women) in power, however. We are all collectively responsible for the crimes our species commits, I feel. After all, as Jesse’s mom,
, often reminds us “People Have the Power” - OK! What shall we do with it?I have some ideas. One of the main ideas I have is this. Mindful Consumption. Remember that every cent spent is a vote for the kind of world we are co-creating.
Another idea I have is this: If anything is written, look at WHY the writing has been done. What is driving the writer to feel the necessity of setting down words in print. No one ever publishes pointlessly even if it seems to be light extemporaneous scribblings - there’s a reason behind it - an attempt to convey something that has some degree of staying power. In other words, read critically. Think into it.
I believe most of us who are writers have a need to write - a drive - and it can come from the finest of our motivations - namely, unconditioned and unconditional love for our fellow humans. We want to leave something for the future. Commending our dreams to each other, we write. We hope to inspire something in the hearts of our readers and we have a sense of the importance of words to reshape our world.
So, these are few thoughts that have been inspired by the generosity of Jesse and Patti and so many other smiths who are forging a future. Use your voice!