Woke up this morning with these words floating persistently in my head, a quote opening Parker Palmer’s book, Healing the Heart of Democracy: The Courage to Create a Politics Worthy of the Human Spirit.
“The human heart is the first home of democracy. It is where we embrace our questions. Can we be equitable? Can we be generous? Can we listen with our whole beings, not just our minds, and offer our attention rather than our opinions? Do we have enough resolve in our heart to act courageously, relentlessly, without giving up— ever— trusting our fellow citizens to join with us in our determined pursuit of a living democracy?” Terry Tempest Williams, “Engagement”
I awoke with these words as I grapple with the sudden dismissal of two of my colleagues who worked tirelessly within our blessed community building relations, sharing stories and creating global spaces and connections! Sadly I believe consideration of the human heart was missing in the laying off of these two workers, colleagues and friends of mine.
I continue to critically reflect how we embody fully the walk (not just the talk) of community leadership that i believe begins with the heart first and foremost…