Eight years ago, I wrote this blog post about my fears post-election. This time around, I was better mentally prepared for the outcome, and thus both more and less devastated. I’m still afraid. And now I’m also concerned about the impact this administration could have on the two wonderful human beings I’ve brought into this world since 2016.
I want their future to be bright, to be equitable, to be just. And I don’t have faith in the incoming administration to make that a reality. But I do believe in the power of humanity. I believe that purpose-driven organizations, and both the individuals who work for them and those who support them, have the power to create change. I believe purpose-driven organizations are more vital now than ever.
This quote, whose origin I don’t know, was circulating on my social media feeds immediately after the election. And it pretty much sums it up:
“People speak of hope as if it is this delicate, ephemeral thing made of whispers and spider’s webs. It’s not. Hope has dirt on her face, blood on her knuckles, the grit of the cobblestones in her hair, and just spat out a tooth as she rises for another go.”
It’s up to all of us to create hope. And hope takes hard work, dedication, and a commitment to working toward something better, even if you personally won’t see the rewards. Hope can carry us through, but only if we are willing to put in the effort.
