June 17, 2020: BRAIN FOG and CLEARING the STREAM

Five teens from Nashville who organized a peaceful March in four days.

I have a periodontal appointment today, which I remembered, but then I realized that I wasn’t sure which office it was, and couldn't recall the name of the MD, nor had they sent me a reminder! When I remembered the name of the practice, I called and was reminded that it’s a sedation appointment so Eric had to change his plans to drive me. I’ve had several of these moments since the pandemic began, and I’m not ready to chalk them up to aging or dementia. I’ve talked with my adult offspring, and they acknowledge having this same kind of event. My son Colin is in New Mexico, one of the least affected states, and still, he feels confused, unable to concentrate, and indecisive about his Ph.D. studies. I’ve managed to convince him not to make any major decisions until the pandemic has been mitigated, but talking with him helped me see why I’ve had similar feelings. Each week, I think I’ll drive to TN to pick up some things and see a few people (safely), but then I change my mind for any number of reasons.

This is all to say that you aren’t necessarily losing your mind and that the lowered cognitive abilities you are experiencing are most likely temporary.

In the midst of this comes the news (that isn’t really new) that the streets are filling with protesters who have reached a breaking point after one more murder of an unarmed Black man. George Floyd has brought people together who may have otherwise been too preoccupied with work, studies, and other obligations to respond with such a fulsome and universal outpouring. It’s both distressing and heartening. As I ministered through the nineties and early 2000s, it was almost impossible to get students to engage in numbers over any number of tragedies and inequities. The changes we see are exciting. My daughter, out of work, has devoted herself to the movement in Lexington full time. Our former exchange student in Germany has been involved. No doubt you know and know of people who have risked their safety by hitting the streets. It is both terrifying (because of the physical danger and potential exposure) and beautiful. Read this article about Nashville teens who started a peaceful march that drew 10,000. It will be years before we can fully comprehend the gifts that this tragic interlude has made possible.

I had a mentor who taught me this: Can you wait until the stream clears and you can see what lies beneath? In other words, have even more patience than you ever thought you could. We are going to come out on the other side.

In the meantime, those of us who aren’t ready to march in person can support organizations and individuals who are. I trust your wisdom to find those entities and give what you can. Our congregation will be realigning our goals for the year. You have exceptional leaders who embody wisdom, compassion, intellect, and knowledge. Embrace them!

Together we can study and learn. I’m going to have us start a community read of Ibram X Kendi’s book, How to be an Antiracist. Start by getting the book, and commit to the discussions we can have with one another. There will be a communal read with other congregations, and a chance to meet the author next Spring. I will provide dates and other details soon. “See” you in church later this month and , meanwhile, stay in touch! I am here if you need me.

I am purchasing several copies of the Community Read book, How to be an Antiracist. If you'd like to use one of these, just let me know! Cynthia

Love, Cynthia