I was born, knitted in my mother’s womb, knowing in my soul, not to settle for the patriarchy. I can’t explain it, I have always in my heart of hearts, been a feminist. I remember taking my first Anthropology class in college, after being raised in Baptist and then Presbyterian churches, my little girl heart battling the whole time. 

Why weren’t there woman preachers? Why are the women the only ones doing the caretaking? As a little girl, these were the things that ran through my head. Although, my Grammy was a badass – I feel like we had a little sparkle that no one else understood.

After Anthropology, there was Women’s Studies, Intercultural Speech and yoga trainings where I found I felt most aligned. I unfortunately, was exposed to the bad things that can happen in churches, not just one or two but three or four or five. And then I was done. But, I still love Jesus and feel like I know his heart after a full year of 24/7 Bible School on Thetis Island, B.C. 

Jesus was a people-lover. Jesus was an on the ground, non-judgmental, open-armed person who would wash peoples feet. I don’t see that in politics today. I see power, I see rule, I see hatred, I see misogyny, bigotry, sexism, judgment…not the heart of Jesus.

I can only hope going forward that seeds have been planted and that beautiful flowers will grow in the groundwork of what has been tilled since 7/24 when President Biden stepped down. There was so much beautiful and inspiring progress made during that time, so much positive energy was built up and I believe America just wasn’t ready for that type of progress.

But, we will keep going, and we will not go back.

After 46 years on this earth, what I know is that it is people who matter – it’s giving and it’s love, it’s compassion, inclusion, acceptance and grace for ourselves and for those who are not like us, or who have been, and are still, oppressed, people who did not get the same start in life as we did. This matters. The economy also matters, but it matters for everyone. I am hopeful and expectant to see how this helps those in need.

I am committing to being open for the next four years and being a frontline witness to all that DT says he can change and fix. I truly do, for the sake of my country and my family, hope that. I believe that everybody in America, the land of the free and the home of the brave, are able to access what they need in this country, groceries, gas, owning a home, special ed services for their kids, women’s healthcare…

Unfortunately, it’s very hard for me to ignore the things that Trump has said, the truly hateful things, the racism he has shown and the disrespect for women. I cannot explain those things away, or pretend they didn’t happen, or pretend they were being taken out of context, there have been too many examples to ignore for me. I have a daughter, I don’t feel like there’s much more to say here.

I have faith in myself, and in my husband, and that we will teach our children the values that we so deeply believe in, teach our kids to be strong and compassionate members of their community…and continue to love everyone in our lives.

Love you and may the force be with us all 💫