Walking Together

I ended yesterday's message with a link to a site that posts positive news from around the world each day. And there is positive news, always. Even in our darkest days. One common thread that runs through it is genuine care for others. Even as we struggle to cope with a devastating week, we can draw strength from stories of solidarity.

 In Flint Township, Michigan, Genesee County Sheriff Chris Swanson met with a crowd that had gathered to protest police brutality and the death of George Floyd. He was backed up by police officers in riot gear. What he did next was powerful. Swanson laid down his helmet and directed the officers to lay down their batons, then spoke from the heart. "We wanna be with y'all for real," he said. "The only reason we're here is to make sure that you got a voice -- that's it." When the protestors urged him to join them, his response was immediate: "Let's walk." 

So they did. With the sheriff marching in the middle of the crowd, the peaceful demonstration ended with no injuries, no property damage, and no arrests. Instead, the sheriff had forged an alliance with those who are hurting. When it was over, he called for a "national night of peace," urging that it  "start... from the top of law enforcement," and inviting other law enforcement leaders to follow his example of walking with protestors.

 As I think about this story, I'm struck by the simplicity of both the invitation -- "walk with us '' -- and the sheriff's response. And yet, they are also profound. We speak of walking a mile in the shoes of another. Here's an example of a law enforcement officer doing just that. He saw the protestors as fellow humans; he actively listened to them; and he responded to them with trust and kinship instead of fear. What a difference it made. 

Carl and I have been doing a lot more walking while we've sheltered in place, and perhaps you've been walking more, too. It seems an apt symbol for these times, as we face the twin viruses of COVID-19 and racism. The pandemic requires us to distance, but taking an actual walk together is one way that we can connect. And we can tackle systemic racism better if we do our best to walk the road together with other people of good will.

We are still sheltering in place in my county, but we will probably be starting to open up a bit soon. I know that is likely happening already for many of you. As we move forward, we can bring with us the lessons we have learned during these past few months. Starting with the gift and the power of walking together. If you would like to walk with those hit by the violence in Minneapolis, visit We Love Lake Street to see how you can help.

Until tomorrow, I wish you good health. Let's keep walking.

 Love,
Nancie/Mom/Mimi/Grandma

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