What the world needs now. | June 2020 Love Note

Most of us are confined to our homes watching the terror unfold. America's tireless cycle of murder - outrage - injustice - protest. Rinse & repeat. We watch helplessly, we say their names, we scream or cry or both, we take whatever small actions we know how, and we pray for better days. 

This painful pattern coupled with the peculiar times we are navigating in the face of COVID-19 have made for an unbelievably harsh season. We are living in frustration amid isolation. When what the world needs now is comfort, support, and encouragement. 

This need is why so many have taken to the streets. Thousands of us have decided that, right now, even the looming threat of a deadly disease pales in comparison to the instinctive need for community and solidarity. And while I have decided to continue to stay safer at home, I feel those same feelings. Devastation. Rage. Despair. Here's how I am dealing. 

1. Communing with God.

Communion is defined as, "the sharing or exchanging of intimate thoughts and feelings, especially when the exchange is on a mental or spiritual level." The root word "comm-" [as in community, communication and common] means "with, together or shared." While the second half of the word "-union" is derived from "unus" or "oneness." Thus, communion is not merely about the holy sacrament of Eucharist, the bread and the wine, or the last supper. At its core, communion is about the oneness that comes from sharing, intimately, with God.

“Don’t be afraid, for I am with you. Don’t be discouraged, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and I will help you.” isaiah 41:10

2. Connecting with friends.

While many will need time to unplug and process alone, be mindful not to disconnect completely. I am speaking especially to our men whose barber shops, and sports talk, and chit chat after church or banter at the bar are all suddenly gone away. Meaningful conversations are where healing happens. Let us continue to hold space for one another. Voice your fears. Voice your frustrations. If not at our dining tables and kitchen counters, in this season, then virtually. Or from six feet away. Or over the phone. Wherever and however we do it, let us not allow too much time to pass without keeping those lines of connectedness and communication open. 

3. Cultivating community.

Hearing other voices helps us to better understand, process, and deal with our own feelings. It gives perspective. It teaches lessons. It amplifies truths. Knowing this, I have decided to create a platform for people to connect with others beyond our good friends or circle of influence. But to meet new friends, and to be influenced. I am calling them virtual dinner parties. Click here to learn more about these dinner parties and how you can participate.

While things have changed fast and furiously since I decided to cook up Zucchini Fritters as my recipe of the month from the summer harvest --  I have still included that recipe below. I hope that you take the time to prepare it for yourself or your loved ones, and that it still brings you the bright, sweet feelings of summer! 
Love,
Maaden