I think of it now, in these strange times, and it resonates even deeper. I think this moment is testing all of us, rich and poor, in every corner of the world, forcing us to make some decisions about who we are and what we stand for. Are we all connected? Do we value commerce over community? Is it finally time to let justice, true justice, prevail? It really seems to me like we all have to make our stand, to borrow from Stephen King's novel about another virus that leads to a changed world. We are all figuring out what is important, what we believe in, who we wish to follow, or if we want to follow anyone at all. I see so much good in this world. But I also see sorrow, and turmoil, and greed, and either an inability or refusal to accept the universal love that is, as the song went, all around us.
I have seen this on levels large and small. On the street, on the news, online, and even among friends and family. I think fear is the main driver of this. Fear of financial ruin, fear of death, fear of admitting you were wrong on something. It's a strong motivator. But I find that fear pales next to love. Don't get me wrong. Fear can and often does drive people to do tremendous things. It is very powerful, and wired into our brains. But I believe that wired into our souls is love. It's harder to access, in some ways. And requires faith. Not going to church faith, or reading the teachings of past masters. I mean faith as in resolve, as in walking through the storm with your head held high, as in facing impossible odds because you know, deep in your heart, that you are right.
Love leads me to the following: Black Live Matter. COVID is real, and out of love for our fellow human beings, not to mention ourselves, we must take it seriously. Money is a cancer that kills the soul. Science is a boon to us all, a miracle that can create wonders, take us into space, and cure disease. The Earth is precious, bountiful, and wondrous. You can't always get what you want, but if you try sometimes you really do get what you need. And all you need is love.
Here's a song. It's being used on a commercial right now, which is kind of gross, but I like the song a lot. It's Wilco performing Love Is Everywhere.
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