We Will Rise

The sun rose Wednesday morning. I woke up, picked up my coffee, and went to work. It seemed like any other morning. Except it wasn’t. Wednesday morning when I awoke Donald Trump was the president-elect. My stomach was in knots and my brain was in a bit of a fog. But the sun did rise and the world is still here and now WE all must rise to make sure that we have a tolerant and accepting world for everyone. Those of us who are devastated with the events of the week need to do whatever we can to make sure all people are treated with respect and dignity and acceptance. We need to make sure our voices are heard for those who have been or are in danger of being silenced. Here are 5 women who are most definitely committed to doing just that, my mom and my sisters, and of course myself.

For people who do not enjoy white privilege, it has been a long and painful road for basic human rights that the rest of us enjoy simply because of the color of our skin. If political rhetoric from our president-elect is to be believed, then there is a danger for so many in our country. We cannot allow strides that have been made over the last 50 or so years to be erased. How can we keep moving forward?

Black lives matter and all people deserve love and workers deserve a living wage. There should be no reason for women to feel vulnerable and scared that they could be sexually harassed or abused. Children should feel safe and have full bellies and access to education. Those who are suffering from illness, both physically and mentally, should have access to health care that won’t send them into bankruptcy.

So, for those who don’t have faith in the person who is at the helm, what can we do? We need to band together and rise up and raise our voices to make sure that everyone has what they need to be successful and happy. Find what you are passionate about and join that group to help make sure people are safe and healthy and happy. It is up to us.

There is so much good going on in the world and in our country and even in our city (Syracuse, NY). I know two guys who have taken the struggles of the homeless in our city on and have taken action.

Andrew Lunetta, started A Tiny Home For Good, an organization that builds tiny homes for the homeless. They are hosting a ribbon cutting ceremony for 3 more homes this afternoon.  Check out this website for more information about them:

http://www.atinyhomeforgood.org/

Chef John Tumino and his wife Leigh Ann also took a very personal interest in the homeless population in our city with their ministry, In My Father’s Kitchen. Like Andrew, they just don’t give money or goods, they give of their time and their hearts, making personal connections with the homeless people that they meet, and providing them with food and clothing and prayers and dignity. Here is a link to their homepage (I had trouble with the link, just click on the word home):

http://inmyfatherskitchen.org/

So take a few days to feel sad and grieve. Eat your ice cream or drink your whiskey or binge on some mindless TV show. Bury yourself in your work or a good book or snuggle with your kids and pets. Then come back to the world and be a fully committed citizen who works toward the world you want. I will be fighting by your side. Peace.