The Water is Heating Up, Now Who Will We Be?

With the recent actions of President Trump in DC: federalizing the police force, activating the national guard, and mobilizing multiple federal law enforcement departments, all in the name of ridding the city of "drugged-out maniacs and homeless people" among others, it is clear that he is making a dry run at declaring martial law in cities that he deems deserving of such clampdowns.

For anyone paying attention, this should be no surprise, yet, sadly, I am not even sure that everyone even feels the water boiling like the proverbial frog in the pot — and may not until it is too late. Sure, some will feel the heat sooner than others, while others have already reached boiling point, but it is only a matter of time until we are all tossed into the pot.

Okay, done with the boiling frog metaphor, because the big question is, "What will we do?" especially for those of us who occupy privileged and protected spaces of wealth, status, and/or geography, at least for now.

My wife and I were talking seriously the other night, and we agreed that it was just a matter of time until one or both of us was arrested again. But, unlike the protest theater that has had previous acts of civil disobedience, we discussed what it would mean to face the real possibility of serving federal prison time.

This is not hyperbole.
We do not take this lightly.
But this is where we are.

Now, to be clear, the last thing that folks should do is rush into acts of civil disobedience. We are both citizens, our children are all independent-ish functioning adults, our work life would not suffer, and we have the relational and financial resources to weather legal proceedings. Even if jail time is part of our future, we will be fine. Mind you, we are not chasing it, but we would be fine.

But . . . we all can and must do something because we do not have to accept this bleak vision that is being forced upon us as our collective future. This wave of nationalized cruelty, normalized violence, and legislated dehumanization of the poor and suffering can be stopped if we all find a role in the movement to stop it.

Ultimately, now more than ever, we must be the beloved community and body politic that we hope to see in the world. This is not a new calling or concept, but it is no longer simply an ideological guidepost; it is now a social and political imperative.

I have no idea what you will move through the world during these days, but here are some of the ways that I attempt to do so:

I will tend to my health: the health of my body, my mind, and my spirit. I will not allow my body, mind, or spirit to be sacrificed at the altar of saviorism, the myth of meritocracy, or toxic productivity. Only to the benefit of empire, movements have been devoured by wounded relationships, broken bodies, and weary spirits. The movement is whole when I am healthy.

I will designate or withhold financial resources in ways that reinforce strategies that I support. This means that I will give significant funds to organizations that are engaged in systematic change and give direct mutual aid to individuals who need support now. This also means boycotting certain institutions and doing our best to refrain from supporting a system that feeds on the labor, energy, and resources of the many for the benefit of the few.

I will show up when, how, and as often as I can. As a person who occupies various places of privilege and influence, it is incumbent upon me to show up. I must show up when asked by those I trust. I must show up when called by the Spirit. I must show up, especially because so many others cannot. Sometimes I must show up to be up front and loud, and sometimes I must show up to help set up and support. Sometimes I must show up in a courtroom gallery, and sometimes I must show up in a capital rotunda. Sometimes showing up means standing in front of a community, and sometimes showing will be fingers flying on a keyboard. Sometimes all I can do is be present because that is all the energy I can offer, but as much as possible, I will try to show up.

I will pray. I will pray that what I am doing and how I am being is what God intends for me to do and be in the world. My prayer takes the form of gathering around the communion table with siblings in Christ. My prayer takes the form of embracing my spouse. My prayer takes the form of my daily calls with the parentals. My prayer takes the form of the banter in our family chat. My prayer takes the form of a community built around shared passions. My prayer takes the form of food well prepared and enjoyed. My prayer takes the form of unabashed singing of 80s hits at the top of my lungs in the car. My prayer takes the form of knowing the business people in my community by first name. My prayer takes form whenever, wherever, and however my people gather and makes the beloved community a reality.

So... if, as promised, this militarization is going to spread to other cities, I hope that you will find ways to do all you can to be the beloved community and body politic that you wish to see in the world.

What will you do in your life?
How will you be in the world?

Peace,