Our local Muslim community hosted dinners. Families would volunteer to host and then 4-5 people from outside their community would be invited. The purpose was for us to ask the questions, experience their food/customs/faith. It was so educational and I really enjoyed it.
Thank you Brooke for your insights and sorry for my lengthy thoughts below which I hope are organized enough.
My wife and I in recent months have been spending time with our neighbors that we’ve lived next to for seven years. The brief hello over the fence or exit and return from work wave is all we had relationship wise. Though culturally different, we’re enjoying the time spent eating out and doing things in the community.
Last week after work we had them over for the first time in our home for dinner. We shared a bowl of my blue ribbon chili and their cornbread while watching “The Handmaids Tale” and having conversation. Our time was well spent as we committed to grow our relationships on our street with a plan for an OLD FASHIONED BLOCK PARTY with our neighbors on the street to introduce each other.
While I know we are all different, we can meet with no agenda centered around engaging each other with food, drink and music in the middle of our street.
Now about me specifically. I am angry and not willing to cave on the ideas of community and truth. I believe, even when a majority is telling you that something wrong is right, do not compromise yourself; STAND.
There is a consequence approaching that is only starting to be felt. Those who have been given much, much is expected. Not to prey on the weak or the less fortunate; but to lift those who cannot.
I question, “Why is it that there are people who are so silent that are in a position of service and trust?” For me I’m rising up and letting my voice be heard, when there are so many that are afraid. Yes there will be a consequence, as there are with everything. But (and it a BIG B-U-T), I have 27 reasons to speak out and STAND. These are a small sampling. They’re my family and we’re blended and beautiful. My clan consists of three adult children, a daughter-in-law, son-in-law, nine grandchildren (three to be wed soon), 3 great grandchildren. We’re all contributors to society and not mere consumers.
Their life, liberty and pursuit of happiness is at stake. So I’m engaging like never before and am speaking out publicly, meeting face to face, and have also engaged my representative, which I’ve never done before.
As far back as I remember, I’ve always tried to error on the side humanity and each person’s dignity. So, for the sake of my clan and my community, I CANNOT STOP NOW.
Good on ya, to you and your wife. Follow up question: I hear you that you’re angry. How do you push past that (or maybe embrace it and bring it with you?) with neighbors, future block party-goers, strangers whose values / politics / etc don’t align with yours?
I appreciate the reply and follow-up questions. I believe that in my anger it is important not to immediately lash out and most certainly not allow it to paralyze me. I “try” to use it to reflect on what made me so and then take productive steps towards resolution or at least understanding.
With that being said, to the second part of your reply, listening is important, but being heard is another. You said it, “I hear you….” which makes an enormous difference. Providing a platform to meet and allow strangers to become acquaintances, acquaintances to become known relevant people that are heard can lead to respect and understanding of each other.
A hopeful byproduct, bringing back the feeling of safety in the social part of our society.
WOW Brooke! Totally unexpected. OF COURSE YOU’RE INVITED once I have a coordinated and confirmed date.
Ok, I have a confession to make. I’ve had a bucket list of individuals that I believe are impactful in which I’ve been dying to meet and understand in no particular order of importance: Brooke Baldwin, Missy “Misdemeanor” Elliot, Queen Latifa, Colin Powell, Van Jones, and Cindi Lopper. Sooo, to say the least, you have been on my list and it’s been an honor corresponding.
You’ve asked where from? Well, I live and work from El Paso, Texas; originally San Antonio.
Dear Brooke, oh my stomach is doing flips, my heart hurts....it's so much. I'm up here in Canada. We're feeling it. We're going through our own Federal Election...fingers crossed. I was scrolling through my IG page (trying to distract myself from all the news/chaos and trying to ground myself) and came across a poem that I wrote in May 2022. Here it is 💖
Brooke .. I can relate so much to what you are feeling about the status of the world as it is now . We probably share the same ideologies .
I’m a single dad who had one child . A daughter . I’ve supported and prioritized her first her entire life .. we have always had a loving relationship . I paid for her college . She graduated with a journalism degree . Right after college was hired to anchor a morning news show at a small town . She was elated but before she had a chance to start she found out that she was pregnant with twins . Her boyfriend and her are deeply religious and they decided to get married . He was a teacher at the time . So her career was put on hold for a few years . Eventually she landed a job as a weekend morning anchor . Not long after they moved her to reporting weather when the Detroit affiliate she was working for dropped the news division . I paid for her to get certification in Meteorology… which she did . She became the weekend weather forecaster and sometimes prime time vacation replacement for the weekday forecaster she did this for about ten years . It was an incredible part time job for a mother with now four boys .
She and her husband, unlike me , are very religious and share far right extreme beliefs . During the pandemic one of these rogue news agencies ( you would know them ) talked my daughter into becoming a “ whistleblower” . She was talked into sabotaging her career . The rest of this story is so unbelievable and tragic that I would prefer to tell you in private . Is that possible ?
Last night, I attended my first Seder dinner. I am not Jewish and I was honored to be invited to share in this special celebration with our Jewish friends. Most of the people in attendance were gentile. I was moved to tears when the hostess for the evening welcomed everyone to their home to share in an important tradition for their family (her husband is Jewish, she is not), which they host in the spirit of inclusivity, belonging, and creating community no matter where in the world they are. Of utmost importance, she said, was teaching their children that everyone is welcome to their table and that there are very few things that can't be overcome by breaking bread together. What a beautiful sentiment. Last night, I felt such a solid bridge under my feet where it feels like there has been bottomless darkness for months.
I SO feel this. I sat at a Seder dinner last night and I too am not Jewish and I too was so welcomed. I was so moved exactly as you were. Thank you so much Samantha for sharing.
Hey thanks for sharing. Recently after I started to look thru the lens of Opus Dei, I had real clarity. What we are “seeing” is the energy before us but there is the connect the dots from a greater global perspective. When u combine the who/what with what/who we are not seeing, that’s the real end game. That’s why weird public comments sound weird to us. It’s all intentional.Also the US is vulnerable because it’s such a young nation not even 300 yo.
Europe Asia etc have had autocracies for centuries before and have become wise. Recall the bad monarchies? Americans snd their nation are in its adolescence of nation building and existence. It’s a growing pain now. It sucks. Wish we could go back in time and interview those ahead of us in other nations who pulled thru. Ever wonder why the social programs in Europe appear to be more generous and advanced? monarchies & elites figured out that if the ppl feel well served & taken care of, there is stability.
Our local Muslim community hosted dinners. Families would volunteer to host and then 4-5 people from outside their community would be invited. The purpose was for us to ask the questions, experience their food/customs/faith. It was so educational and I really enjoyed it.
Thank you Brooke for your insights and sorry for my lengthy thoughts below which I hope are organized enough.
My wife and I in recent months have been spending time with our neighbors that we’ve lived next to for seven years. The brief hello over the fence or exit and return from work wave is all we had relationship wise. Though culturally different, we’re enjoying the time spent eating out and doing things in the community.
Last week after work we had them over for the first time in our home for dinner. We shared a bowl of my blue ribbon chili and their cornbread while watching “The Handmaids Tale” and having conversation. Our time was well spent as we committed to grow our relationships on our street with a plan for an OLD FASHIONED BLOCK PARTY with our neighbors on the street to introduce each other.
While I know we are all different, we can meet with no agenda centered around engaging each other with food, drink and music in the middle of our street.
Now about me specifically. I am angry and not willing to cave on the ideas of community and truth. I believe, even when a majority is telling you that something wrong is right, do not compromise yourself; STAND.
There is a consequence approaching that is only starting to be felt. Those who have been given much, much is expected. Not to prey on the weak or the less fortunate; but to lift those who cannot.
I question, “Why is it that there are people who are so silent that are in a position of service and trust?” For me I’m rising up and letting my voice be heard, when there are so many that are afraid. Yes there will be a consequence, as there are with everything. But (and it a BIG B-U-T), I have 27 reasons to speak out and STAND. These are a small sampling. They’re my family and we’re blended and beautiful. My clan consists of three adult children, a daughter-in-law, son-in-law, nine grandchildren (three to be wed soon), 3 great grandchildren. We’re all contributors to society and not mere consumers.
Their life, liberty and pursuit of happiness is at stake. So I’m engaging like never before and am speaking out publicly, meeting face to face, and have also engaged my representative, which I’ve never done before.
As far back as I remember, I’ve always tried to error on the side humanity and each person’s dignity. So, for the sake of my clan and my community, I CANNOT STOP NOW.
Good on ya, to you and your wife. Follow up question: I hear you that you’re angry. How do you push past that (or maybe embrace it and bring it with you?) with neighbors, future block party-goers, strangers whose values / politics / etc don’t align with yours?
I appreciate the reply and follow-up questions. I believe that in my anger it is important not to immediately lash out and most certainly not allow it to paralyze me. I “try” to use it to reflect on what made me so and then take productive steps towards resolution or at least understanding.
With that being said, to the second part of your reply, listening is important, but being heard is another. You said it, “I hear you….” which makes an enormous difference. Providing a platform to meet and allow strangers to become acquaintances, acquaintances to become known relevant people that are heard can lead to respect and understanding of each other.
A hopeful byproduct, bringing back the feeling of safety in the social part of our society.
I shouted you out in my substack this week. Thank you so much AGAIN.
WOW Brooke! Totally unexpected. OF COURSE YOU’RE INVITED once I have a coordinated and confirmed date.
Ok, I have a confession to make. I’ve had a bucket list of individuals that I believe are impactful in which I’ve been dying to meet and understand in no particular order of importance: Brooke Baldwin, Missy “Misdemeanor” Elliot, Queen Latifa, Colin Powell, Van Jones, and Cindi Lopper. Sooo, to say the least, you have been on my list and it’s been an honor corresponding.
You’ve asked where from? Well, I live and work from El Paso, Texas; originally San Antonio.
Dear Brooke, oh my stomach is doing flips, my heart hurts....it's so much. I'm up here in Canada. We're feeling it. We're going through our own Federal Election...fingers crossed. I was scrolling through my IG page (trying to distract myself from all the news/chaos and trying to ground myself) and came across a poem that I wrote in May 2022. Here it is 💖
The world in which I see
the goodness in people like me
infectious and gracious
trust and patience
growing community
of equality and diversity
raising our voices
permission to have choices
to sound the alarms
to stop the harm
our voices matter
no more pitter patter
we need answers to the how's and why's
don't diminish the screams and cries
bring love to the table
and maybe we'll be able
to start there
Love to all xo
Brooke .. I can relate so much to what you are feeling about the status of the world as it is now . We probably share the same ideologies .
I’m a single dad who had one child . A daughter . I’ve supported and prioritized her first her entire life .. we have always had a loving relationship . I paid for her college . She graduated with a journalism degree . Right after college was hired to anchor a morning news show at a small town . She was elated but before she had a chance to start she found out that she was pregnant with twins . Her boyfriend and her are deeply religious and they decided to get married . He was a teacher at the time . So her career was put on hold for a few years . Eventually she landed a job as a weekend morning anchor . Not long after they moved her to reporting weather when the Detroit affiliate she was working for dropped the news division . I paid for her to get certification in Meteorology… which she did . She became the weekend weather forecaster and sometimes prime time vacation replacement for the weekday forecaster she did this for about ten years . It was an incredible part time job for a mother with now four boys .
She and her husband, unlike me , are very religious and share far right extreme beliefs . During the pandemic one of these rogue news agencies ( you would know them ) talked my daughter into becoming a “ whistleblower” . She was talked into sabotaging her career . The rest of this story is so unbelievable and tragic that I would prefer to tell you in private . Is that possible ?
This was so good and just what I needed! Thank you!
Bridge build…..together
Every. One. Of. These. Paragraphs, thoughts, words align…
Breath in, breathe out, repeat.
Last night, I attended my first Seder dinner. I am not Jewish and I was honored to be invited to share in this special celebration with our Jewish friends. Most of the people in attendance were gentile. I was moved to tears when the hostess for the evening welcomed everyone to their home to share in an important tradition for their family (her husband is Jewish, she is not), which they host in the spirit of inclusivity, belonging, and creating community no matter where in the world they are. Of utmost importance, she said, was teaching their children that everyone is welcome to their table and that there are very few things that can't be overcome by breaking bread together. What a beautiful sentiment. Last night, I felt such a solid bridge under my feet where it feels like there has been bottomless darkness for months.
I SO feel this. I sat at a Seder dinner last night and I too am not Jewish and I too was so welcomed. I was so moved exactly as you were. Thank you so much Samantha for sharing.
Hey thanks for sharing. Recently after I started to look thru the lens of Opus Dei, I had real clarity. What we are “seeing” is the energy before us but there is the connect the dots from a greater global perspective. When u combine the who/what with what/who we are not seeing, that’s the real end game. That’s why weird public comments sound weird to us. It’s all intentional.Also the US is vulnerable because it’s such a young nation not even 300 yo.
Europe Asia etc have had autocracies for centuries before and have become wise. Recall the bad monarchies? Americans snd their nation are in its adolescence of nation building and existence. It’s a growing pain now. It sucks. Wish we could go back in time and interview those ahead of us in other nations who pulled thru. Ever wonder why the social programs in Europe appear to be more generous and advanced? monarchies & elites figured out that if the ppl feel well served & taken care of, there is stability.