21 Comments
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Amy K.'s avatar

I really like you fuse civic duty and spirituality, they need to be connected

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Lauren Duca's avatar

Hell yeah, Amy. I'm glad you're here.

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Amy's avatar

I needed this. This week has been brutal. Thank you.

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Maureen Harrison's avatar

Jupiter conjunct Pluto, in Capricorn. Yea it's hard if you're not aware of Ego.

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Maureen Harrison's avatar

The entire world isnt in fear. I'm a very lucky person to be living today. I do agree 100%, Self Love takes awareness, hard work, commitment.

I appreciate reading your article, gives me hope, not everyone lives in fear.

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Lauren Duca's avatar

And this comment gives me hope, Maureen! Flexing the muscle of love is especially difficult in this chaos, but I believe it will only make us stronger. (So happy you're here.)

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Sara Booth's avatar

I think I'm at the right place when I found this.I was asking to the Universe for God damn like minded people.

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Lauren Duca's avatar

Wow, heck yes, Sara! I'm so glad you're here.

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Kat's avatar

I personally, find my mornings focused in filling up with worship music, & overall praying diligently to keep my faith on the upside of joy. I will not watch Trump, I get my information from the CDC website only. I don't dwell in the news all day. I find if we help others, which is what we are call to do, we will get through with joy. Plenty of people/families need letters or scripture to encourage them. Find a way to give back. It will minimize your panic & grow your faith!

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Lauren Duca's avatar

Heck yes, Kat. I've found mornings are the most critical time to raise my vibration, and I love the way you phrased it: "keep my faith on the upside of joy." I also think you've got it exactly right in seeking information from the CDC. We need to listen to scientists and local officials, and encourage our families to do the same. (So happy you're here. <3)

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Ron Hogan's avatar

The first time I went to an Episcopal mass, two Christmas agos, I was caught off guard by the part where "We pray for the president, Donald..." and then later somebody said it's not like they were praying for him, exactly, but that he'd somehow come to do well in the job because we needed him to... well, we see how that turned out. *sigh*

And then a few weeks ago, when I was going through my clearness committee to discuss joining my local Meeting, one of the other Quakers asked me, "So, how do you feel about joining a religion that believes that there is That Which Is of God in Donald Trump?" THAT one was at least a bit easier: Sure, we all have That Which Is of God in us, but for some people it's been ignored and buried under a LOT of junk. Or, as I heard Shane Claiborne say on a recent podcast, "God loves Donald Trump, but that doesn't mean God wanted Trump to be the president."

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Lauren Duca's avatar

Thank you for sharing, Ron! The idea that "God wanted Trump to be the president" is an absurd interpretation of higher power. But praying for him finally make sense to me.

I've been so grateful for Zoom church the past few weeks. Have you been attending virtual service? (If you're ever interested in checking out the one I attend — I call it queer church, because it's run by lesbian pastors, but it's technically Dutch reform — shoot me an email, and I'll share the link. <3)

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Ron Hogan's avatar

I haven’t attended virtual services yet: Some Quaker Meetings have set them up, but my local had originally hit upon praying at home alone at the usual time, and then saying hello on the mailing list during the time we’d usually be doing social hour. But, after doing our monthly organizational meeting online yesterday, I think we’ll be creating a weekly worship session as well.

(I’ll email you about queer church!)

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Rebecca's avatar

OMG! Lauren, I sooo identify with this. Thank you for your vulnerability and honestly.

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Lauren Duca's avatar

Ah, thank you, Rebecca! I felt *so* vulnerable while writing this, and I really appreciate you recognizing that. Sending all the love and strength right back your way.

p.s. Speaking of vulnerability, have you checked out Brené Brown's new podcast yet? It's a gift.

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Rebecca's avatar

Yes! Been listening to Brene. Love her!

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Sara Rodriguez's avatar

I have been doing weekly calls with my beloved therapist and trying to make sure I take enough time away from work to talk with friends!

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Sara Rodriguez's avatar

fuck i did this wrong lol

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Lauren Duca's avatar

NO YOU DID IT RIGHT / thank god for therapy!!! The other day someone tried to insult me on Twitter, like, "Go call your therapist," and I was like, "Once a week???" (Love you <3)

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Tristan's avatar

I had the pleasure of re-reading Hurston’s great ouevre over the past few evenings after my new daily ritual of slogging through a virtual school teaching schedule made only for these times. My experience of reading TEWWG at this point in my life has been highlighted by what I never understood as a sixteen year old hs student: following your heart is only as easy as seeing through the mud covering it up. Feeling really grateful to this great work for the healing message it offers and the reminder to following down your own path.

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Lauren Duca's avatar

Go to the discussion thread, T! <3

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