My Mennonite heritage is something I have always been proud of. I am proud of our history of non-violence and our reputation for service. But I believe that our emphasis on peace has often been superficial. We value forgiveness, humility, and self-sacrifice without always taking into account the cost of those virtues. I am still trying to unlearn the idea that I can create peace by absorbing violence. I have to unlearn the idea that turning the other cheek is the end of the story. Because that leaves no room for justice, and that is not good news to the oppressed.
Read More →I See You, I’m Sorry
May 29, 2020 · 1:51 pm
When I read about the murder of Ahmaud Arbery, I didn’t know what to say. What could I add to the conversation that hasn’t already been said a thousand times? Before I found the words, I learned about the murder of Breonna Taylor, and again didn’t know what to say. Now, the murder of George Floyd is in the news and I still have nothing to offer.
Read More →The Blood We Share
July 2, 2018 · 12:01 pm
I’m grateful for the many people and organizations that are working tirelessly to reunite separated families, and I’m grateful for President Trump’s executive order, which, though imperfect, was necessary.
Thanks to Poets Reading The News for sharing my poem, The Blood We Share. Read More →
