Crisis Response

Like almost everyone I know, I've been finding it hard to read or listen to the news lately. Despite my weeding efforts, Facebook remains an ongoing source of anger and sorrow. We can scarcely get through a meal without discussion of our fears. It is a scary time.

People are trying, though, in their own individual and collective ways, to make things better. They are marching and signing petitions and calling/texting/emailing their representatives. I was tremendously flattered when two different thirty-somethings that I know invited me to attend a protest! I couldn't; I had to work. But still, I was pleased that they recognized in me something that called out for change.

On the individual front, a dear friend has turned her own lemons into lemonade: Being homebound with a broken ankle, she crocheted a little hat to cover her chilly exposed toes and then went on to crochet a couple of dozen more that she took along to the cast-maker when she went to get her upgraded replacement cast, the idea being that these could be distributed to others getting foot casts with exposed toes. A small gesture, and one that will be appreciated so much.

I so applaud my sisters and brothers who march, who text, who petition, who act collectively to effect change. I admire their urgency, their zeal.

For me, though, the individual approach seems to be the right one. Some time ago, I learned that the Chinese character for "crisis" is made from two other characters, those for "danger" and for "opportunity." Our world does seem to be at a crisis point; the danger is felt everywhere I turn. I'm looking for the opportunities. And the more I look, the more I find. To try to make small differences. The quilt for the ballet school will raise money for fighting breast cancer. The drawstring bags for menstrual supplies will help thirteen girls somewhere to get a better education. I've been listening as I go about my daily life to become aware of other opportunities to make a small difference. And I've discovered there are many, many more.


Comments

Janet said…
Love your attitude...I too think that many small good things can add up to become GREAT 😊
Janet said…
Love your attitude...I too think that many small good things can add up to become GREAT 😊....And I know you like quotes do here is one I particularly like at this time ". I am and always will be the optimist, the hoper of far flung hopes and the dreamer of impossible dreams" - the doctor 😊
Lorraine said…
Love to hear you speak out and also look towards the positive. This situation in our country has turned many of us into activists.
Carol said…
I'm not going to march or protest - but do my best to make each day better for someone. Last night I cut out 2 child's dresses that I'll add to the stack that will be traveling to Zambia with my cousin on a medical mission this summer. Then while watching Victoria and Henry VIII last night I folded and marked for cutting 52 preemie and newborn soft knit caps that will go to our local hospital. And I can pray for those 52 babies who aren't even born yet and the girls who will soon have a new dress--maybe their first.
stitchinpenny said…
I don't do much, but a comfort quilt here and there help make the world a better place. 2 this year and one more made. If every person did something no matter how small - the world would be better and each of us would grow a little more compassion.
Quiltdivajulie said…
Another spot-on post -- I, too, am doing the individual thing (I applaud those who actually march butI was never able to do that even way-back-when). I agree that there are small things to be done at every turn, including smiling more and knee-jerking less. And to your other line of thought - I have pretty much abandoned FB unless it is to share something quilt-related. I know many others who are abstaining as well.
Well, I choose where I get my news because even though it angers me, I HAVE to keep on top of what is going on. Oh, not his babbling but what is being done that is overlooked because of the Breaking News crap. That said, you have to do something that contributes to the better, if you can. I continue to gift to organizations in South Bend Indiana that help those in need. Girls that learn how to sew. Girls that learn how to care for their children and learn how to bring themselves up to be able to take care of themselves. There are so many in your own community if you look.

And I'll just mention that Mayor Pete of South Bend is running to head the DNC. I suspect he does not have the support he needs and he MAY not be the best person. But he is progressive and smart and will help the dems get back to leading the middle class.

xx, Carol
Barbara Anne said…
Well said, indeed! I've found a good old word for this administration: FECKLESS. There are lots of other words needed to expand on all the badness they're doing, but this was a good start in my book. As my Grandma Hall used to say, DO PRAY!

Hope you'll share links to some of the worthy projects you've found that one person at home (with annoying fatigue issues due to lupus) can do. You know I quilt and have lots and lots of lovely fabrics. Alas, my hands have never played nicely together so I cannot knit or crochet but there are others who can create those ways.

Hugs!
I think you need to ditch FB and just hang out in my part of blogland as rarely see anything about "you know what"
Its great..........love your spokes quilt in the next post.........