The Evolving Homemaker

Wow.

That is really all I can muster at the moment.

Last night I was in a panic state over my lack of response to a request for a moment of activism on behalf of women and children in the Democratic Republic of Congo.  I had made a promise to a hero of mine, and I wanted to pull through for her…for a moment it felt as if I wouldn’t.

And then another day began, and I discovered an inbox full of questions and willing participants to support the Outcry for Congo action taking place on Facebook this week.  As I sit here tonight, I am stunned.  I am utterly moved by the rally of my friends, husband, and acquaintances in putting themselves out there for something so public and so necessary.

Over 5 million people have died.  And the Congo is but a whisper in the public discourse. Over 3 million women and girls have been violently raped.  And you can forgive yourself for not knowing, cause how would you?

As burnt out, and cynical, and disappointed as I have become lately, I learned a few things this weekend…

Don’t get bogged down in the moments.

Stay ready and in tune to the big picture.

Don’t ever count people out.

Trust those around you.

Have faith.

Standing up for others is hard and scary for all of us.

Keep your mind positive, stop letting the negative muscle in, it so is not worth it.

People are amazing.

Love exists.

Compassion exists.

Hope matters.

You can count on people.

Humanity does show up-in some unbelievable ways.

Stay present.

Stay present.

Stay present.

I have never felt my heart more full than it is at this very moment.  I am not lying.  It feels as if it may burst through my chest and I am going to be very mindful of this beautiful sense of joy that was created by all those in my life.  Just when I may have been feeling so alone, everyone I know just decided to show up. Just. Like. That.

Wow.

Spill it: Have you ever felt burnt out from any sort of action you were taking, only to be revived by those closest to you?  When has your community shown up for you?

P.S. Want to learn more about the Congo?  Visit here.  Want to help in the action?  Visit here for the low down in the right side bar, Lisa Shannon, founder of Run for Congo Women and author of A Thousand Sisters, explains it all there!  Just jump, it is really all we can ever do!