A lot has happened in eight days. A wiser and mentally healthier person could spend every waking hour writing and responding to everything that has happened — the communities devastated and terrified, the civil servants demonized and threatened, the working class lied to and betrayed by their elected officials — and not reach the end of pain and cruelty.

And, unfortunately, their efforts would exhaust them to little avail.

I do not know what to say about all of it. I have re-found one chord in my voice, but that chord has no words to say about federal actions and executive orders. I know many of my clergy colleagues have said — loudly — that silence is compliance, and in theory I agree, but I just do not have words to say aloud right now.

Except these three:

I love you.

I know it is not enough. I know there are things I could intelligently and compassionately comment on. I know this effort basically repeats what I said last week and adds very little beyond differently worded platitudes.

I know, but I cannot help but think authentically shouting this over and over again can only help to break open hearts to the plight of the least and lowest and build unity that scares the powerful and elite.

I love you, especially when they deny your gender identity.

I love you, especially when they tear you from your home by force.

I love you, especially when they work to drive you back into the closet.

I love you, especially when they promised you economic relief for your vote only to betray your trust and do nothing for you.

I love you, especially when they hate and dehumanize you and teach their followers to do the same.

I love you, and I hope I love you enough to break open your heart a little to see the pain and struggle in another — and to condemn every action that would cause that pain.

I love you, and my heart breaks for you.

Peace,
– Robby

P.S.: Skye loves you, too, even if you suck. She just loves you.