Welcome to 28 Days– a soulcare series designed to help us live intentionally in the aftermath of the Sandy Hook Tragedy. Please join us as we explore 28 ways to engage in this sobering reality with honesty and hope. For Facebook covers and more information click here. Thank you for being here today.
I’ve been thinking this week about one of our favorite national past times — criticism.
We like to criticize things — actresses and musicians, fashion designers and YA authors, presidents and action groups.
There is a role for criticism in society.
At it’s best it instigates change. It creates a prophetic voice. It calls us to be our best selves.
At it worst it stops us in our tracks. It shuts down discussion and embroils us in debate. It immobilizes us in a cycle of critique and in action.
This week President Obama and Vice President Biden released their plan to curb gun violence in the wake of the mobilizing reality of the Sandy Hook shooting. From the beginning, Biden acknowledged that the executive actions they were going to outline would not completely solve the problems. Then he reminded us,“We cannot let the perfect be the enemy of the good.”
In other words: We can’t let our critical voice keep us immobilized.
That’s why today I’d like to point out one way to counter our critical voice–say “Thanks.”
In a move that is both political savvy, and touchingly human, the political action group Demand a Plan responded to the White House’s gun control plan with a call to say “thank you.” Thank you for taking action. Thank you for getting us started. Thank you for not allowing us to stay stagnant.
What would shift in your heart, in your hope, in your optimism and action if you said “Thank You” today? Try it and find out.
I’m saying “Thank You” to President Obama and V.P. Biden for their leadership around gun control. http://bit.ly/VaDXXX
Click to spread the good word.
Today’s healing act is in memory of Olivia Engel, age 6. Olivia’s family posted a statement on Facebook saying “Olivia’s favorite stuffed animal was a lamb; pink and purple were her favorite colors. She was insightful for her age and had a great sense of humor. She laughed a lot and always lit up a room including the people around her. She was very creative and was always drawing and designing things,” her family said. Olivia took art and dance lessons, played tennis, soccer and swam. She was involved in Girl Scouts and musical theater. She loved school and did well in math and reading. Her family described her as a “grateful child … never greedy.” Each night, Olivia led grace at the dinner table. *source info
More from 28 Days:
Response to Connecticut: A Prayer. A Plea.
An Ongoing Response
Tools for Tragedy
28 Days Main Page (info/graphics)
Day 1: The Healing Power of Whimsy (600 Monsters)
Day 2: Inhale Compassion, Exhale Love
Day 3: The Sandy Hook Promise (video)
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Thank YOU Rachelle, for keeping us informed and reminding us to be thankful for those who work so selflessly to instigate crucial change in a respectful, honoring, cooperative, important way. Olivia’s young heart already knew the power and grace of gratefulness. May her light continue to shine in happy memories of her.
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