We live in a society where we would rather take, and use, than to give. It’s a shame. The beautiful ending to this story is the hope for the future. We can start over. We can make it so that those who come behind don’t have to deal with the same narrative.
Let's change the story, and begin something new. US. We can do that.
Read MoreWe humans are a collection of violent, depraved, decent, and amazing beings. We have communities of hatred and communities of love. We have violence in our DNA and compassion and selflessness in our hearts. How can these disparate realities exist at the same time?
Read MoreA collective of artists and performers and poets, known finally as Spencer's Vanguard, was to advance the mission of The Listening and "be great" in all that we did and in everything we created. We identified greatness in our diversity, in our hope, in our hurt, and in the community around us. If anyone was going to lead the charge, we were at least going to throw our hats in the ring.
Who can guess what happened next?
Read MoreThese days, we must find every opportunity to be simple and enjoy the finer intangibles - joy, love, laughter, contentment. If the two-step or Milly Rock makes this one day that much more enjoyable, do you boo-boo. When tackling the deeper issues, however, we cannot afford to submit "fast-food activism".
Read MoreEven in midst of chaos swirling all around the world, I found my true safe place. And it was in the place I never thought to look.
Read MoreFor some of us, our home is our safe place. It's where we can let our hair down, kick off our shoes and just be. For others of us, our safe space isn't necessarily a physical location, but a state of mind.
But what happens when neither can be achieved, but both are in need?
Read MoreSuicide isn't the kind of thing that is easily understood. Teenage angst, as often as it's depicted in sitcoms, rom-coms, and streaming series, is a messy place, especially when you're in the midst of it. One of its more identifying factors and untruths is that you are alone and no one will ever understand you. Chester and Linkin Park's art (and YES it was art) help me fight that lie.
Read MoreOne day, my children will be ready to leave our home and go off into your landscape. I will take every opportunity to prepare them until that day comes. I will teach them to love their brother, take care of family, say their prayers, and always do what is right. They will know that America is a work in progress, capable of greater good and great evil.
I will teach my children the truth about you, America.
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