Sometimes, I get really sad; Consumed with the melancholic thought that we're living in an age where malignant narcissism is considered to be a sign of incredible strength. Where bullies and trolls and edgelords seem to find genuine joy out of causing harm to the most vulnerable among us. That's power to far too many people, that's strength. In truth, rarely have I seen a more glaring weakness. The strongest among us champion Compassion, Empathy and Mercy and are defiantly unafraid to show it to the world. The weakest wish to further exploit the marginalized and vulnerable, sow further divisions and other anyone they aren't willing to even attempt to understand.
The distinctive gift of tenderness that we humans carry; that is where you can find truly incredible strength. Radical tenderness is fundamentally full of light, and those who can move past their fears, cultural programming and egoic concerns and work from that tender place are truly the bravest among us. May we carry it within and without, especially when we are afraid. Let us break bread in a house with a crowded table, where bellies are full, love and laughter are abundant and our differences are cause for curiosity, conversation and celebration. Let mercy not be rationed here.
You and I. We are not strangers.
