Fire and Fury

Watching the funeral services and specifically the beautiful eulogy of Senator John McCain by his daughter Meghan, I couldn’t help, in addition to crying, but think, “now that is what true fire and fury look like.”

A woman strong, grieving, crying gracefully without apology, expressing her feelings, not fighting them but directing them like a laser to focus on her message, a tribute of love for her father.

My message today, since this is my personal pulpit for the blogosphere, I’m putting myself out here to say,

Talk Louder

I was recently at a Town Hall talking with two women whose children struggled with mental illness. One said, “you know, my mother’s mother and sister struggled with mental illness but it wasn’t talked about back then, the family just hid them away.” The other woman said, “I wish I’d had someone to talk to about these things when my son starting going through it. I felt so alone trying to find help.” Then she whispered, “I too struggle.”

What if our great-grandparents and grandparents had been able to talk about their experiences with mental illnesses like we are able to do today? What will it be like for our children, grandchildren, nieces, nephews and future generations if we remain silent and if we keep whispering? 

I rarely hear stories of Papa bears, except in maybe Disney movies. I do hear stories, and warnings, about Mama bears and what they will do to you if you threaten to harm their young cubs. Women protecting their families and future generations  = Fire, and Fury.

Imagine All the People

Senators Joe Biden and John McCain, who at first look would seem to be180 degree opposites and unlikely to see eye to eye about anything, were, in fact, good friends. So good in fact that before he passed away McCain asked Biden to speak at his memorial. Biden humorously told stories of John’s humanity and drive to “To Serve a Higher Purpose”.

There is nothing like a good dose of grief, anger, and righteous indignation to focus one’s purpose in life and in the moment.

Our Purpose

This post isn’t about John McCain or least it wasn’t my intention, good man that he was. The thing I want you reading this to take away is this: We are all in this together.

We are together in this life, in this world, and in our communities. A healthy neighbor, as the Bible says, and I’m paraphrasing here, is a healthy you.

So I ask of you to remember what matters and don’t whisper. Talk louder.

I ask of you to be respectful and listen. Be childlike but not childish; curious about new experiences, seeking to understand and be understood.

I ask of you to have compassion and empathy to care for others, as you deserve to care for yourself. Be kind and forgiving.

You may say I’m a dreamer, but I know I am not the only one.

 

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