Dear 787 Friends,
On this last day of July, I’m happy to say we’re slowly getting back in the groove of our newsletter as we all make the turn toward August and whatever the fall holds. To this end, it would mean a lot to us if you would take a hot minute or two to answer this very brief survey (four questions, only three required) as we cast a vision towards the future and how we continue to serve the folks and communities we love with information, inspiration, and ideas. Thank you in advance! Your input means a lot to us.
And now, for your consideration, some thoughts to carry us into this new month:
REMEMBER ELDERS
*The cycles of life and death, always with us, felt extra present as a number of Civil Rights leaders crossed over during the month of July. John Lewis, Emma Sanders, C.T. Vivian and Charles Evers all departed while the struggle for racial justice persists, particularly in this time of crisis. This article on John Lewis’ legacy in the city of Selma and his work to inspire younger activists felt deeply compelling and instructive.
*Krista Tippett’s 2013 interview with John Lewis has been released again in the wake of his death and it came recommended on our Tuesday call, particularly for the attention on all the learning, discipline and time that went into preparing the young activists for the work of the Civil Rights movement. Here’s a link to the interview which highlights “the intricate art of nonviolence as ‘love in action”. I’ve got queued for this weekend!
EXPAND PERSPECTIVES
*This article about a Vietnamese businessman in Houston who engaged dissent within his community after sponsoring a Black Lives Matter billboard was fascinating and insightful, particularly around how and why we hold certain perspectives and witnessing perspective shift.
*The Americans with Disabilities Act just turned 30, and along with a celebration of that accomplishment, there have also been important reflections on the distance we still have to go. The New York Times also published this quirky piece considering an ancient Taoist philosopher as the earliest disability philosopher.
REMAIN WATCHFUL
*This report from the Texas Standard reminds us of our collective responsibility to stay watchful and advocate for neighbors near and far. The pandemic is drawing many of us and our public sectors into uncharted water, so staying awake, alert, and engaged around issues that affect vulnerable populations seem central to our call as Christians.
*Speaking of neighbors near and far, Forbes published this interesting piece considering the impact of quarantine on the immune system of older folks. It was good food for thought, and mirrored our conversation on Tuesday in which we discussed how to serve community members for whom loneliness is escalating into mental health challenges the further we get into quarantine.
NURTURE HOPE
*This article featuring Bill Gates, and this interview with the colorful epidemiologist Larry Brilliant (caution, his language is as colorful as his personality so consider yourself warned) gave me a sense of balanced hope about where we are and where we are going in this pandemic adventure. We’re no New Zealand, but there’s hope.
*Here’s what I’m hoping for when this is all over: Check out this very impressive dinner party.
Otherwise, sharing this poem by Langston Hughes which reminded me of John Lewis’ legacy of love and service, though it was originally penned in honor of Booker T. Washington, and this song which is drawing me on daily.
Love and light to each of you, wishing you a restful and restorative weekend,
MLC
