Fifty Days of Gratitude: Day Five

This morning, while vacationing with family, I groaned out loud a bit while looking at my phone. When asked what was wrong, I simply responded that I was reading the news. And everyone nodded and went back to what they were doing.

But a free and fair press is essential to our democracy. Our capacity to absorb what they have to report is something we have to monitor for ourselves. It's also something we must do in order to be citizens who ensure a free and fair democracy. While it's tempting to look away from it all, in order to be informed citizens and voters, we have an obligation to stay engaged. (And take a break when needed).

Voices willing to be brave in speaking out against the wrong, in its truest sense, and speaking up for what is right, will be essential in the weeks and months ahead. This willingness along with voting our values is the best hope for our country.

Today, then, I'm thankful for brave voices. People who are willing to stand up and, in cogent and thoughtful and factual ways, speak truth to power. From time to time I may share their words here. You are free to move along if you want, but I encourage you to read deeply the writers, theologians, journalists, lawyers, and historians who are sounding the alarm. I ask you, and all of us, to think outside of partisan politics and think deeply about what is right.

Diana Butler Bass, theologian and author, is one such voice. Here's what she wrote this week:

https://dianabutlerbass.substack.com/p/donald-trumps-political-idolatry?utm_campaign=email-half-post&r=5m3rg&utm_source=substack&utm_medium=email