My word for 2016 is ATTEND.
Although I don’t think attending is a superpower, some days I wish it was. On those days, I think if one more person promises that he or she has the superpower to right all wrongs and save US from THEM, I daydream about sticking a pencil in my (or someone else’s) eye. On my better days, however, I choose to acknowledge that while I have no superpowers and am responsible TO the World – I’m not responsible FOR it. I’m responsible FOR my life and how I choose to live it.
To that end, I will attend to what and whom I can. And I’ll remember that I don’t have to attend every argument, drama or political whack-o-doodleness to which I’m invited. Each Sunday , I’ll share something here – an image, a poem, a song or maybe even a story that’s helped me attend to what I can that week.

My oh my, this has been a week of attending, on so many levels, by so many people. Among the many, is a guy named Shane Ard. Shane is a lineman in Georgetown, SC, which is a community not far from where I live.  He is one of the thousands, yes THOUSANDS, of power linemen who’ve selflessly helped millions more. I invite you to click here to hear what attending has been like for him this past week.

Deep and humble thanks to Shane and everyone who has and will step-up and stand with the many affected by Matthew.

While many living in the wake of hurricane Matthew now have power.  Many don’t. Many don’t have homes. Many don’t have food. Many don’t have a pillow. It’s stunning to me, that as I send money to those affected by Matthew in Haiti, I’m also packing clothes, food, cleaning supplies, and pillows for my thousands of NEIGHBORS in NORTH CAROLINA also affected.  

Since some of the North Carolina rivers impacted have only just crested, waters haven’t yet receeded.  It’s dire, y’all. There are people trying to live in waterlogged homes.  People are living in churches, schools, gyms, and who knows where because their homes are GONE.

Here’s an image of a man in Fayetteville, N.C.  This is INLAND North Carolina, not the coast.  The impact of Matthew is far beyond anyone’s imagination.  And the people who are surviving need help. And the toughest part right now, is that we’re not yet sure HOW to help. The Red Cross is here.  FEMA is here. We’re doing our best to house, clothe, feed, and love one another.  As we move forward and know more, trust that I’ll join The Many spreading the news of how to help most life-givingly.  Thanks, in advance. 

If you’ve been affected by hurricane Matthew or witnessed/experienced attending those who have, please, share your story.