“Ours is not the task of fixing the entire world all at once, but of stretching out to mend the part of the world that is within our reach.” ~Clarissa Pinkola Estes

I wanted to write something upbeat today, something full of hope, it being Easter Sunday and all. But no such luck.

Thoughts and prayers. 

Or perhaps I’d recycle an old post, save myself (and you) an accounting of my current sense of malaise.

But it seemed disingenuous—and inappropriate.

Because Kansas.

And its anti-trans sports law opening the door for genital inspection. Of children!

Thoughts and prayers.

Because guns.

And another mass shooting at a school in Tennessee, the state where my mother and sister live and the state that expelled two lawmakers from its legislature on Thursday.

Because while three members of the Tennessee legislature protested—a white woman, and two black men—only the two black men were expelled.

Thoughts and prayers. 

Because Trump.

And the corruption and racist rot he emboldened through approbation.

Because Clarence Thomas and the continued erosion of the integrity and credibility of the Supreme Court.

Thoughts and prayers.

Because climate change… and the greed-blinded eyes of too many.

Because uncertainty…

Because…

Thoughts and prayers… my ass.

On this Easter morning, here are my thoughts and prayers:

May we as a species call out, confront and stand up to racism, prejudice, hypocrisy and generational entitlement no matter how uncomfortable or inconvenient.

May we as a collective come to prioritize the physical safety and emotional well-being of our children over the power of the NRA and the rights of gun owners.

And may I, as an individual part of that collective, return my focus to that which is within my reach, mending fences I can see and contribute to, no matter how small or anonymous the gesture.

Because… one drop at a time will eventually fill an ocean…

Everything matters. Everything.

Fuck all the thoughts and prayers… back them up with action.

Change is within our reach, if we stretch.

“Pray. Not just with your words but with your actions.” ~Steve Maraboli