Today, despite all the things that are wrong in our country I am focusing on what is right. And I am feeling
Fourth of July Gratitude
for so many blessings. We have a long way to go towards freedom and justice for all. And we need to work hard to help mitigate and lessen climate change. But we also have seen great changes in consciousness that I hope will lead to opportunities and just treatment for all.
I’m not a flag-waving patriot who refuses to see the injustices and terrible things we’ve done as a nation. And I believe that we should teach our children and ourselves the truth of our nation’s history, not some imaginary fairy tale that omits all of the ways we hurt native peoples, people of color, and even other nations in our pursuit of “freedom” and “manifest destiny.”
On this celebratory day, let’s all say a silent apology to the many people who were harmed by our country’s policies. Let’s vow to do better personally and as a nation. And let us find ways to liberate our own consciousness from outdated prejudices and a sense of privilege or being special.
When day comes we ask ourselves,
where can we find light in this never-ending shade?
The loss we carry,
a sea we must wade
We’ve braved the belly of the beast
We’ve learned that quiet isn’t always peace
And the norms and notions
of what just is
Isn’t always just-ice
And yet the dawn is ours
before we knew it
Somehow we do it
Somehow we’ve weathered and witnessed
a nation that isn’t broken
but simply unfinished
…
But while democracy can be periodically delayed
it can never be permanently defeated
In this truth
in this faith we trust
For while we have our eyes on the future
history has its eyes on us
This is the era of just redemption
…
When day comes we step out of the shade,
aflame and unafraid
The new dawn blooms as we free it
For there is always light,
if only we’re brave enough to see it
If only we’re brave enough to be it
— Amanda Goreman, excerpts from The Hill We Climb
We are all one and we all rise or fall together as a nation and a world. Let us also give thanks to nature for her bounty and take time to realize that we are not separate from her but a part of everything and everyone.
Happy Fourth of July everyone!
May you walk in beauty.
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