Messages From Carrie
Stubborn little stones
October 23rd, 2004
Dear Friends,
It has been an amazing month. I must admit I'm reeling a bit from the power and spirit of it all. I know as we enter into the last week before the election the pitch and volume and ugliness of this campaign has hit new levels. Breath deep .... Stay grounded ... remember to take time to pray for the best of who we are and that mysterious and constant pull toward all things good. Yes, I have heard and seen actions motivated by fear and ugly political attacks and rhetoric, but I have also seen and heard such an amazing outpouring of concern and a genuine call for justice and compassion. No matter who wins this election our job is to be on the winner's doorstep the very next day demanding that the real work begin. Yes, this is a very important election, but it is only the beginning of the good work ahead. Recently I've been asked several times "Don't you get tired or discouraged?" and "Do you really believe that one person can make a difference?" And "Why can't you just shut up and sing?" To these questions I can only answer "Yes, I do get tired and discouraged, but it's not required of me to be successful, it is only required of me to be faithful" and "Yes, there is a tenuously balanced scale, and I will and must add my stubborn little stones to the side of justice, and with your stubborn little stones we can and do tip the scales in the favor of good." And finally "I'd love to be able to just shut up and sing, I mean I'm basically a nice Midwestern woman that doesn't set out to make waves and ruffle feathers, but I'm also an artist that believes without a basis in truth and faithfulness to all I view as true my work means nothing and gives nothing." Serious talk .... But incredibly hopeful times.
My encouragement to you dear friends is to go out and vote on November 2. It is one sure and positive way to add your stubborn little stones to the scale in favor of all things good. Remember that we can't just be "against" something, but we need to be "for" something. Breathe deep ...stay grounded ...be true ... and on Nov 3 ... I'll meet you with rolled up sleeves for the next challenge.
Shalom,
Carrie