“The world is burning!” That’s what my brain screams as I mindlessly doom scroll past more heartbreaking headlines and quickly swipe past the fruitless arguments of keyboard warriors. I can’t stand the polarity that exists between “sides”. What happened to the side of humanity? The polarization feels endless, heartless, and destructive. 

It’s always something new every day, people joke, half nervous, half hoping, I suppose. Things seem to be getting so far out of hand in our country that we don’t even know how to approach it anymore. Is this some sick joke? 

The problem is that many of us don’t see the punchline in this national charade. I know I’m not the only one because I keep seeing similar sentiments day after day. We see and feel the pain as our neighbors are being ripped from their homes and families are being torn apart. People are dying in the streets – in broad daylight – with zero investigations. “Domestic terrorists” is what we are labeled now if we take a stand against crimes against humanity.

Threats of world wars, unchecked abuse of power, and the loss of basic decency and decorum have become the norm as we also seek to justify the trafficking and abuse of children. How did we get so far off the mark? When did we stop caring about the most vulnerable in our society? All around us I see the fear rising, safety decreasing, hunger and desperation escalating. It’s terrifying. 

Most days it can be difficult to see the silver lining beyond the deep fractures that are now dividing us. But when I go outside, put my bare feet in the grass and my face up to the sun, for just a moment I remember how glorious it is to be alive. Not all have the privilege. Many have died so that I can enjoy my little corner of the world. And it’s in that truth where I find the determination to continue on. 

Instead of focusing on what’s wrong with our nation, I have shifted to noticing the helpers. The ones who willingly stand between the threat and the vulnerable, those who render medical aid, and create an emergency food bank for their neighbors in their own garages. I am incredibly inspired by anyone who decides to faithfully carry water while the world burns. No matter how tired, scared, or disillusioned they are. They carry on because they know how much it matters.

What I’ve come to realize is that we all have our own water. Some of us are good listeners and can talk someone through a crisis in the middle of the night. Others of us can build social programs, advocate for policies, and be the voice of the voiceless in the rooms of powerful people. The water comes in all forms, but the sentiment is the same. Holding space for those who are hurting and doing whatever is in our power to help ease that suffering.

So, while the world burns I will carry water. I will be absolutely unapologetic in speaking truth to power, and I will continue to rally those who are just as passionate about restoring human dignity. Because when we all unite, the fire cannot continue to rage out of control. One by one, we will pour out what we have and eventually that fire will be nothing more than extinguished embers and ash. But it takes a collective of people who are willing to stand up. Willing to risk something in the pursuit of freedom and dignity for all of humanity. Willing to put down the label of their political party in favor of a people who unite against evil in its purest form.

This isn’t about political affiliations. This is about real life humans. Children, the elderly, the vulnerable, every color, nation, and creed. All of them are deserving of life, liberty, and happiness. That isn’t an elite American right because we are somehow better because of where we were born. We are all co-citizens of this country and this world. United we stand or divided we fall. 

So, I’ve got to know. Who is with me? Bring your bucket. We ride at dawn!