Jess, you are so brave! My sister is also terribly afraid of flying, but if absolutely necessary, she will do it (not many boats going to Europe these days). I’m also adding you to my prayer list. Know that I am asking God to protect you wherever and however you go. I’m also asking God to protect American from Donald Trump.
Thanks, Jess. I love your writing and your outlook. I agree - we need more democrats running, even if they will get beat. It won't happen overnight. Unfortunately, I'm not that person. I work for the government and the Hatch Act forbids me doing much of anything in politics. Maybe I'll consider it when I retire in 2 years. Thank you for continuing to fight the good fight.
You've got it, sis! You've called out your fear, and you see it. In confronting one's inner terrain, I have news of a man who's Buddhist background led him to the front of a world wide effort ...
I often remember the wisdom and vision of Thich Nhat Hanh, the brave and humble Vietnamese monk, who brought Martin Luther King, Jr., into the American anti-war effort in the mid-1960s. Eventually, Martin nominated him for a Noble Peace Prize.
He taught us the practice of objectifying our fear, by speaking with it. He taught, paraphrasing,
' I see you, fear (hatred, jealousy, greed, etc). I'm here for you fear. I see you and I hold you; but now I've got to take this action, and I can do it. I won't let you know control me now. And again, I'm here for you.'
Thich Nhat Hanh befriended his anxiety. He did a lifetime of small gestures direct from the heart; these actions reached millions of other hearts, and hearts are still being touched.
Love you! I now live in a solid liberal community that functions so well (and that most in my state says is an island surrounded by reality…), but for my sister still in rural Tennessee, you are the bomb of bravery! What ever you call yourself, never doubt you are so loved.
Reading Jess makes me doubly aware that my wife and I are coddled politically, living in a deep blue neighborhood in Brooklyn. Schumer lives about two or three blocks away, so that gives you an idea.
Good for you for running, even if sometimes you are running scared. You're right to be, because the Right has, under the tutelage of a criminal psychopath, become more thuggish by the day. It's heartening to know that there are some active Democrats in Missouri. I hope they will run for every office available; it's the only way to neutralize the damage done by the Right.
Thank you for facing your fears to do the hard work! May I ask who was the Democrat organizer in Cherokee County that spoke before you? Our group of friends is actively doing this work in formerly uncontested races in KS and we would LOVE to know who our ally in Cherokee County is ❤️
"I’m scared so often, but I do the scary things anyway."
Jess, that is what it means to be brave. Only fools aren't scared, but those with courage do what they know is right even if it's terrifying. We're here for you.
Jess, you are so brave! My sister is also terribly afraid of flying, but if absolutely necessary, she will do it (not many boats going to Europe these days). I’m also adding you to my prayer list. Know that I am asking God to protect you wherever and however you go. I’m also asking God to protect American from Donald Trump.
Friend! Thank you!
Thanks, Jess. I love your writing and your outlook. I agree - we need more democrats running, even if they will get beat. It won't happen overnight. Unfortunately, I'm not that person. I work for the government and the Hatch Act forbids me doing much of anything in politics. Maybe I'll consider it when I retire in 2 years. Thank you for continuing to fight the good fight.
You've got it, sis! You've called out your fear, and you see it. In confronting one's inner terrain, I have news of a man who's Buddhist background led him to the front of a world wide effort ...
I often remember the wisdom and vision of Thich Nhat Hanh, the brave and humble Vietnamese monk, who brought Martin Luther King, Jr., into the American anti-war effort in the mid-1960s. Eventually, Martin nominated him for a Noble Peace Prize.
He taught us the practice of objectifying our fear, by speaking with it. He taught, paraphrasing,
' I see you, fear (hatred, jealousy, greed, etc). I'm here for you fear. I see you and I hold you; but now I've got to take this action, and I can do it. I won't let you know control me now. And again, I'm here for you.'
Thich Nhat Hanh befriended his anxiety. He did a lifetime of small gestures direct from the heart; these actions reached millions of other hearts, and hearts are still being touched.
He was a treasure, teaching us mindfulness, empathy and compassion.
Love you! I now live in a solid liberal community that functions so well (and that most in my state says is an island surrounded by reality…), but for my sister still in rural Tennessee, you are the bomb of bravery! What ever you call yourself, never doubt you are so loved.
Reading Jess makes me doubly aware that my wife and I are coddled politically, living in a deep blue neighborhood in Brooklyn. Schumer lives about two or three blocks away, so that gives you an idea.
Schumer is a coward. He's defended Israel's slaughter of Palestinians for so long that his credibility is lost.
He has always been a huge supporter of Israel. I was just using him to illustrate that our neighborhood is very blue.
Good for you for running, even if sometimes you are running scared. You're right to be, because the Right has, under the tutelage of a criminal psychopath, become more thuggish by the day. It's heartening to know that there are some active Democrats in Missouri. I hope they will run for every office available; it's the only way to neutralize the damage done by the Right.
Thank you for facing your fears to do the hard work! May I ask who was the Democrat organizer in Cherokee County that spoke before you? Our group of friends is actively doing this work in formerly uncontested races in KS and we would LOVE to know who our ally in Cherokee County is ❤️
The world needs cheerleaders too. Stay in the middle of the herd because the outside gets picked off.
And sometimes, the herd needs a member who knows exactly what to do. That member acts, and the others call her/him "a leader."
"I’m scared so often, but I do the scary things anyway."
Jess, that is what it means to be brave. Only fools aren't scared, but those with courage do what they know is right even if it's terrifying. We're here for you.
Thank you 🙏
Thank you for your inspiration!
I am now suburban but grew up rural. I love the fight you are putting up in Missouri.