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The Rainbow Phoenix (A Defiant Love Response to Orlando)

Dear Hurting Friends,

It can be so easy to be fooled by the pain of these days, to be tricked into believing that hope has departed for good, but do not let that happen.

This pain is our heart’s alarm, sounding in the face of all that is so not right.

It is the terrible noise that reminds us that this is not the way it is supposed to be, and that our spirits testify in unison.

And yet this pain is the very sacred place where we begin again.

It is in this heavy, maddening, brutal day that rebuild what is broken.

It is in these moments of tears and sighs that we fortify our wings.

It is here in our sadness and outrage that we prepare to fly once more.

You see, we are the people of love; those who believe that all people are intrinsically invaluable, that violence against one is violence against all.

We are unrelenting souls of every part of humanity who believe that we are in this journey together.

We are the radiant, glorious, phoenix rising defiantly from the toxic, acrid horror of these days.

We are the sure, stunning proof that no matter how much hatred might say, love will always have the last, loudest word—and that together we will speak it now.  

Press against the underside of your wrist, beloved. Do it right now. Press firmly.

Do you feel it?

This is your pulse.

This our pulse.

It is the life within you, within each of us. 

It is reminder that we live, and because we do, hope lives too.

We will live faithfully and boldly in this day for those who cannot.

We will be the streaking light that pushes back the fleeing darkness. 

We will be the brilliant, beautiful response to the ugliness.

And together, tethered tightly to one another, we will rise again.

Be greatly encouraged, dear friends.

Love is still alive.

Within your chest.

Within mine.

Among us.

Between us.

Love is still alive.

It is still alive.

 

 

(These words were written for a UK vigil at the request of its organizers. Share them and read them where they might bring comfort, healing, and encouragement.)

Note from John: The word “rainbow” is not an attempt to co-opt the experience of LGBTQ people in any way, but to express solidarity on behalf of all loving people in the world who believe fully in equality and diversity, and who stand against violence, bigotry, transphobia and homophobia. The “we” expressed here is intended to be all of humanity standing as one.

 

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