20th Anniversary AIDS Walk
Like many people I know, I'm currently feeling a bit more overwhelmed, a bit down, a bit more worried. Of course there have been the various recent personal tragedies among my friends and family (some of which I've revealed here). Events in my country have me concerned as the government continues on a path to which I am morally opposed and one that I fear will bring yet more ruin and suffering. I am weary of the state of affairs that allows paid shills show up at political rallies to bully people trying to excercise their rights (to assemble, to speak, to vote), where civil discourse is impossible, where people hurl epithets like "ReTHUGlican" or "Moonbat" before anything of substance can pass between them and where they generally disdain each other so completely. The unwelcome tragedy of the conflict at the Israel-Lebanon border preoccupies me. I find it tiring and too often feel as is there is nothing I can do.
Today I received an e-mail that I found unusually comforting. This e-mail was nothing more than a solicitation for school supplies for needy children (from a religious organization, no less) but I was reminded that despite what sometimes feels to me like an insurmountable barrier of fundamental differences there are people with whom I have things in common, too. People with whom I share cultural traditions, core beliefs, or just a basic desire to to what is right and good for the world.
All of this reflection reminded me of something I had privately resolved to do but had not yet put into action. I'm taking this opportunity to rectify that. On September 9 I will be joining the Northwest AIDS Alliance 20th annual AIDS walk. More than 9,000 people are living with HIV/AIDS in my county alone. My team is supporting the Lifelong AIDS Alliance because they improve the lives of people living with HIV/AIDS by connecting people with medical providers, helping navigate the maze of health insurance, providing healthy prepared meals and groceries to eat, or finding a place to live for someone who does not have one. They become partners in care and remain supporters for life. My personal goal is to raise $250. You can help me reach that goal by clicking over to my Donation Page.
Today I received an e-mail that I found unusually comforting. This e-mail was nothing more than a solicitation for school supplies for needy children (from a religious organization, no less) but I was reminded that despite what sometimes feels to me like an insurmountable barrier of fundamental differences there are people with whom I have things in common, too. People with whom I share cultural traditions, core beliefs, or just a basic desire to to what is right and good for the world.
"Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good." (Christianity)
"Recompense evil, conquering it with good." (Islam)
"A soft answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger." (Judaism)
"With kindness conquer rage, with goodness malice, with generosity defeat all meanness." (Hinduism)
All of this reflection reminded me of something I had privately resolved to do but had not yet put into action. I'm taking this opportunity to rectify that. On September 9 I will be joining the Northwest AIDS Alliance 20th annual AIDS walk. More than 9,000 people are living with HIV/AIDS in my county alone. My team is supporting the Lifelong AIDS Alliance because they improve the lives of people living with HIV/AIDS by connecting people with medical providers, helping navigate the maze of health insurance, providing healthy prepared meals and groceries to eat, or finding a place to live for someone who does not have one. They become partners in care and remain supporters for life. My personal goal is to raise $250. You can help me reach that goal by clicking over to my Donation Page.
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