Civilized by others . . .

It's Odin's day and Northerlies are moving over Okieland, bringing a brief, but much welcomed relief from the heat-hammer. It could be the beginning of our annual Summer-into-Fall roller coaster weather pattern. May it be so.

The mailbox this morning held reminders . . .

What makes a society a civilized society is public service . . . I am deeply moved by America’s faith in goodness, even for giraffes like me. I don’t take that for granted. Thank you very much. – Garrison Keillor

Speaking of public service . . . Biden’s promise to the Republican-dominated state of Florida even in the face of DeSantis’s pettiness was a striking contrast to former president Trump. – Heather Cox Richardson.

FYI, today is the 163rd anniversary of Jane Addams' birth. The social reformer, peace activist and founder of Hull House was born in 1860 Cedarville, Illinois.

[The] marginalized, the have-nots of our world . . . see reality with a clarity of vision that we may never achieve . . . those of us who are more privileged, who will never fully share the lot of those who are impoverished by the system that creates our wealth, at least can weep over the tragedy of human suffering. Righteous indignation at the injustices that cause marginalization, can lead us toward a relinquishment of the power and privilege that maintain injustice, and toward a solidarity with those who are poor in their claim on justice. – Richard Rohr

The Bright Sadness

...much of our world

seems not to see.

Why is that?

Silence holds deep contentment

and deep sadness;

joy, grace, love, and a dark mirror.

Not opposites,

both/and are complimentary

facing the shadow.

— jb