To Love On Purpose
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Hello friends, The REM song “Hold On” is playing through my head this week. Partially because, after years of trying, someone in my family couldn’t hold on any longer, finally succumbing to a host of illnesses they just could not shake. The song is also with me because of the sheer number of people struggling right now. Struggling to simply survive. Whether because they don’t have money for food or rent, or lost their job, or struggle with mental or physical health, or they are under attack and threatened because of who or what they are… Which brings me to the core of this week’s musing: We must love each other. We must keep loving each other. And we must, in a moment of grace, also do our best to love ourselves. Portland artist Shanalee Hampton staples embroidered messages on scraps of cloth to utility poles around the city. I encountered an old, faded one recently, stitched with the simple message: Love People on Purpose. And that is what we must do. Every act of community service is an act of love. Each collective action toward equity and justice is an act of love. Every bowl of food shared, groceries bought, shelter given, or flowers sent is an act of love. Each smile, and each laugh are acts of love. Every book written, song sung, painting made, scarf knitted, or dance danced is an act of love. We—humanity—are made whole by a series of interacting acts of love. Love is an act of hope and defiance. Love helps keep us alive. I’m grateful for that. I’m grateful for you. Hold on. Best wishes — Thorn
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T. Thorn Coyle
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Hello friends, On a walk in the soft rain of the atmospheric river that just arrived to the Pacific Northwest, I saw two small maple trees whose leaves had already turned orange-red. Some of the maples in the neighborhood are still green, or just turning yellow, but these two were in full autumnal celebration mode. So, of course I walked across the street to get a closer look. When I looked up, I was delighted at the display. The leaves looked like ethereal dancers, turning this way and that,...