Culture – Page 8 – gregoryjoel.com

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Voting Our Principles

October 29, 2020 gregoryjoel

Yesterday was one of the best days I’ve had all year. I received notice that my new subsoiler for my tractor was ready to pick up. Then I got to cast my early vote in the 2020 election. Other small farmers are about the only ones who can understand my excitement about a subsoiler, but I hope everyone shares in the privilege of voting.

A couple of days ago, NPR reported that Texas leads the nation in early voting. I spoke with one of the poll workers yesterday who said they’ve had a line all day every day since early voting began. The pundits call this one of the most important elections in American history. Given the increase in voter participation I would be inclined to agree with them.

There was a time when I questioned whether I should participate in political systems or not. I was disheartened and frustrated by the hypocrisy I saw in the Christian Right. As Lord Acton said, “Absolute power corrupts absolutely”. Once the Christian Right got a bit of political power and voice… need I say more…

As a Jesus follower I know where my true citizenship lies – I don’t serve Caesar – but that doesn’t not absolve of participation in the political process. How I use my vote is of paramount importance.

I believe that my vote is a vote for those who have no voice – who will best serve the poor, the marginalized, and what Jesus called “the least of these”. Who will best implement policies that benefit them?

“Those who want to live according to biblical truth have a political responsibility to try to bring about the kingdom of God as much as possible and as soon as possible.”
– Virginia Mollenkott

My prayer today is that each of you will vote and do so according to your principles and values. I did yesterday and regardless of the outcome on Tuesday, it was a great day.

Activism, Community, Culture, Faith, Grace, Hope, Prayer, Quotes, Relationships, Responsibility, Simplicity, Social Justice, What Can I Do

“We pray to you, O God, for strength, determination and will power, to do instead of just pray, to become instead of merely to wish.

September 22, 2020 gregoryjoel

– Adapted from “We Cannot Merely Pray” by Rabbi Jack Riemer

Activism, Christianity, Citizenship, Community, Courage, Culture, Faith, Quotes, Racism, Relationships, Responsibility, Role Models, Social Justice, Spirituality, What Can I Do

“Ours is not the struggle of one day, one week, or one year. Ours is not the struggle of one judicial appointment or presidential term. Ours is the struggle of a lifetime, or maybe even many lifetimes, and each one of us in every generation must do our part.” – Rep. John Lewis

September 20, 2020 gregoryjoel

Activism, Choices, Citizenship, Community, Courage, Culture, Environment, Faith, Food Justice, Grace, Persistence, Quotes, Service to Others, Social Justice, The Future

“We don’t have the right to demand perfection from each other. But we do have the right to expect progress. To demand evolution. So, let’s make some new mistakes.” – Naomi Klein

September 10, 2020 gregoryjoel

Awe, Children, Community, Culture, Depression, Emotional Health, Family, Friendship, Generations, Gifts, Gratitude, Grief, Parents, Relationships, Resurrection, Survivors, Thoughts From the Porch, Writing

Time Out

August 6, 2020 gregoryjoel

I can’t even begin to tell you how many times I’ve sat down to write over the last couple of months. The words always fail to make the journey from my brain to my fingers. It’s not “writer’s block”. Emotions rise and shut down everything else in the process. Grief sucks.

I’ve been able to journal somewhat, but I often feel no one wants to hear another story about my grief and so it goes unfinished and unpublished. Unfortunately, that’s about all I can share these days. It doesn’t mean that other things, good things, haven’t been happening. It’s just that sadness and loss over-shadows them all. I miss my son…

I know this is part of the process. There will come a day when sorrow won’t dim the light all around. I’m not sure when that day is, but I know that it will come. My friend Jim used to tell me that in the meantime, it’s a mean time. Until I’m farther along in this journey I’ll feel what I need to feel and try not to be hard on myself…

Although the cloud of grief is never far away there’s much to be grateful for. I’m grateful for the love and support our family has received from so many friends. I’m grateful for Opal’s Farm and the reminder that life is circular – sow, harvest, and repeat – constant resurrection. Over the last couple of months, I’ve seen Jeremy honored in ways I never expected, and I’ve been given places to sit and still my spirit comforted by Jeremy’s “presence”.

One of Jeremy’s friends and fellow artist, Jay Wilkinson, painted a twenty-foot high mural of Jeremy on the side of Hop Fusion Brewery here in Fort Worth. It captures Jeremy perfectly and I can’t think of a better place to put it. Jeremy had done the indoor murals at the brewery. When this coronavirus lets up, I hope you all get a chance to have a cold one and check out Jeremy’s work. You don’t have to wait to see Jay’s work though. Thank you, Jay. You’ve given me a special place to just “be”.

Last Saturday, Juan Valazquez finished a mural at Mananaland, a local gallery where Jeremy had been artist in residence. His likeness now graces the whole front of the building. I was unable to be there when he painted (spray painted mind you!) the piece. Thanks to Desiree, Michael, Baillie, and Adrian for representing the family.

As for my WordPress community, I miss you all. I haven’t read much the last couple of months, so I haven’t maintained contact with those I follow and vice-versa. I’m simply taking a break and letting the process take me where it needs to. Love you all and hope to see you soon.