As seen in HOPE

As we engage in difficult conversations, … ask ourselves why we have made the assumptions we have and whether they are valid. What beliefs do we hold that have influenced our thinking? Have we really considered all the facts?

Clarity: Be clear about your reasons for reaching out, what kind of conversation you have in mind, and what you hope those involved will have experienced by the time it ends.
Collaboration: Invite your potential conversation partner(s) to join you in making key decisions about the conversation …

Do something concrete. Trust in your power to make change, even if the results aren’t immediately obvious.
Create beauty. Sing, dance, paint, draw, garden, play an instrument or write.
Ask questions of others who have different views.

We find in joining with others to effect real social change that we ourselves are more hopeful, more able to embrace diversity, and more willing to engage others who look, think, or act differently than ourselves. As a nation, we have experienced quite a shift these days. Contributing to our democracy by joining a local Indivisible group, I experience the deep joy of contributing to the common good.

I started thinking about everything I had seen from Sister Kathleen during my time at 8th Day. What I saw was Providence Spirituality in action. In our conversations over those two years, I had heard many of Sister Kathleen’s stories, her thoughts and her prayers. I found a woman willing to put herself on the line for the greater good time and time again.