Naming the Chaos?

It’s a difficult and scary time. Lies, accusations and blaming are the currency of political discourse. Politicians seem more intent on winning at all costs rather than governing.

Gaslighting is common, telling us we didn’t experience what we experienced, didn’t see what we clearly saw, or heard what we heard. It is so obvious that it is almost comical, if it weren’t so dangerous in its aim to demonize others or distract people from the truth.

It is evident we have lost our voice and influence on the international scene. Around the world people see our chaos and lack of direction. World leaders increasingly marginalize our leadership.

Attacks on free speech have moved from subtle to blatant and in full view. The very bedrock of civil discourse, debate, and compromise is villainized. 

How do we get through this? I am searching for answers.

Perhaps venting a bit, like we did in our last podcast and being willing to be honest about what we are experiencing and how it affects us is a good start. But it can’t be the end of our response.

I invite your feedback. How are you managing?

Here is what I know about me. I have to avoid my tendency of doomscrolling and feeling victimized or powerless against the radical minority. I can’t numb myself and live in denial, even though, as Ken Baily said in our conversation, it’s okay to take a breather from the chaos and find renewal in whatever spaces feed that for us.

I also need to listen to my discomfort. Sometimes it’s legitimate in the face of injustice, abuse and untruth and I need to take a stand. But sometimes my discomfort is a call to examine my own biases and assumptions. While I want to stand firm in core values around justice, compassion and service, becoming intolerant is not a very helpful response to intolerance.