When Donald Trump came to power, I was surprised and sad to realize just how much he seems to hate people like me, even though I’ve never met him. He called me and people he called “woke”  some of the cruelest names—corrupt, dishonest, evil, elite, and devious.

He said we were ruining the country. I can’t hate him because we don’t know one another, and many people who know him say he can be charming and fascinating to speak to. I’m great at annoying people but hopeless when it comes to hatred. I don’t know how to feel it.

I hoped he might soften his cruelty and shed his lies for my sake and the country’s future. But there is an awful street of hatred in him, and it won’t go away.

So many people getting hurt again. The country has had enough of hate and fear. I wondered if he might try to be my President took.

A curious thing happened in 2016 and again now. President Trump made me a better person. I could feel it.  The more Trump hated the idea of me, the more determined I became to be a better human.  And the more good that I did. The more hatred there is, the more good there is.

I’ve realized that I don’t need Mr. Trump to make me hate or fearful.  Hatred does no good; good does a lot of good. I won’t be dragged into that hole.

As he has, done I can be the person I choose to be. My blog is already a safe place; I need to build on it and make my life meaningful and joyful, even as the storms rage. Good people are getting the message.

The Cambridge Food Pantry is my answer, my place of God, my argument that people want to do good and should be given my chance. In an odd but very human way, Mr. Trump is the Godfather of my Sanctuary  Blog.I pray for him to be kindler and gentler, and I still have no idea how to pray: mystery and hope.

Day by day, I’m getting there. Over this tense time, I’ve started to become the person I wanted to be. Out of fear and hatred, hope and choice. I choose not to hate or rage but to work hard every day to be a better human being. For that, I am grateful for him.

Others feel this way. I’m getting a strong and beautiful response to the idea of the Sanctury Blog. That is my revelation, my guide, and my future.

I thought of the message below when I started working with the pantry. I considered this place a sanctuary, a place to love and do good without anger and hatred. I am becoming the man I wish to be.

I don’t respond to every message; I believe in letting ideas live for a bit before other ideas swarm them. This one got to me and was especially relevant. The messages are coming in; they will not be disturbed but allowed to breathe.

Thanks for this, Steph. I hope to receive more messages like this. They keep my spirits high.

A Hopi Nation (Arizona) Prophecy For Hard Times.

 

This is the hour.

“You have been telling people that this is the eleventh hour.

Now you must go back and tell the people this is the hour.

And there are things to be considered.

Where are you living?

What are your relationships?

Are you in the right relation?

Where is your water? Know your garden. It is time to speak your truth.

Create your community. Be good to each other.

 

 

Do not look outside of yourself for the leader.

This could be a good time!

There is a river flowing now very fast.

It is so great and swift that there are those who will be afraid.

They will try to hold onto the shore.

They will feel they are being torn apart and suffer greatly.

You should know the river has its destination.

The elders say we must let go of the shore,

push into off into the middle of the river.

Keep our eyes open and our heads about water,

See who is in there with you.

And celebrate.

At this time in history, we are to take nothing personally.

Least of all, ourselves.

For the moment that we do, our spiritual growth

And journey comes to a halt.

The time of the lone wolf is over. Gather yourselves!

Banish the word “struggle” from your attitude and your vocabulary.

All that we do know must be done in a sacred manner and in celebration.

We are the ones we’ve been waiting for.

The Eldlers/Oraibi, Arizona/ Hope Nation.

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From Leslie: Holy Moly. Prayer as “a dimension of the daily” struck home for me. Deeply. To quote another brilliant observer (poet Mary Oliver) of all things worthy of prayer and holy, “.. in a vacant lot .. or a few small stones .. just pay attention.” Thank you. I am paying attention and am grateful every day for your insight and the inspiration you share that helps me do so.

 

Thanks, Steph and Leslie. You inspire and encourage me. These messages are beautiful and give me a lot to think about. This is what a sanctuary feels like.