What a Time

What a time. What a time. 

Growing up Southern Baptist in Stone Mountain, GA, these words were a common refrain. Pastor would talk about how hard the enemy is working to cause chaos in our world. What a time. Then, Pastor would talk about the world that comes after this one; a kingdom where grace--undeserved merit--and love rule each day. What a time. The same phrase used to describe what is and what will be--the worst of the present and the best of tomorrow. 

Pastor didn’t know that he was giving me a whole word--three in fact--that would help me process the absolute absurdity of the times in which we are presently living. We are experiencing fascism (not its’ rise) as the current administration works actively to suppress democracy in all its forms. Covid-19 is sweeping the globe and we still know so little about it. Black people continue to experience state-sponsored violence and our experiences are the canary in the coal mine for myriad other marginalized people. 

And yet, the largest and longest movement for the affirmation of life in the history of this nation persists. A small town in northern India can see the Himalayas for the first time in 30 years because the pollution is finally starting to clear. Young people, fed up with a world that does not serve them are stepping into their callings as land protectors, innovators, creators, and yes, even, lawyers. 

What a time!

If you’re like me, the last five months have left you hopeful, angry, joyous, depressed, confused, inspired, and altogether-utterly exhausted. Pulling on the wisdom of my ancestors, I rest in this certain knowledge: when this country finally lives up to its ideals of freedom for all, what a time it will be! We are closer than ever. Stay safe. Stay healthy.