I posted this reflection in January of 2020, after having started it in 2016. Ten years later, unfortunately, everything I discussed is still present and taking place again–only now, the distance is more extreme between rich and poor, we are meaner to each other and dismiss those with different beliefs as unsuitable for compassion or empathy, and find ourselves spiraling deeper into the darkness. I hope and pray that in 2026 it will be possible for us to find a way to lean into Corita Kent’s realization that “To be fully alive is to work for the Common Good.” May we find our way into the light this year, both in our actions and our words. ~Natalie
Tag Archives: social justice
Words do Matter…and so do Deeds
Here is a Facebook post by my friend, Kari Moe:
“Words matter. Help me find a substitute for the word “sequester”. I have an alternative, but it isn’t short and simple. Every time I hear the word sequester I want to say “Oh, you mean the harmful budget cuts being forced by a minority (less than 50%) of members of Congress who think it is better to fire teachers, cops, meat inspectors and air traffic controllers rather than raise one cent from an oil company making record profits or ask hedge fund managers to pay their fair share?” Clearly my substitute does not meet the “short and simple” message criteria. What do you think is a message that says what the sequester means? Years of organizing for “single payer” instead of “Medicare for All” makes me have a sense of urgency about this.”
In looking up ‘sequester’ in Merriam-Webster.com, they suggested the following synonyms: cut off, insulate, seclude, segregate, separate, isolate, quarantine; confine, immure, incarcerate, intern, jail, lock
Policy and Religion 