I confess, I’ve been at risk of losing that most essential of the soul: hope.
These past months, I’ve slowly, inadvertently slipped into a despondent surrender; that insidious poison of “in-between-ness” that leads to inaction and complacency.
Knowing how tirelessly many of you have worked these past months on the front lines of our democracy renewed my hope.
Record voter turnout renewed my hope.
Seeing the joy of people dancing in the street in support of our democratic ideals renewed my hope.
And that much-longed for infusion of hope peaked for me last night.
Seeing the first black, south Asian woman, daughter of immigrants, stand on a Delaware stage as the first Vice President-elect of the United States renewed my hope.
Listening to a man whose soul has been shattered by loss and has chosen to transform his suffering into service at the highest level of our country renewed my hope.
I have felt that loss myself. Cultivate the Karass was borne of the same spirit: to turn suffering into service and transform loss into unity.
Last night, our Cultivate the Karass mission was on the stage along with Joe Biden and Kamala Harris as they called for listening to each other again in a spirit of outreach and collaboration.
What they’re calling for is what we do:
- We are here to create an army of Loyal Antagonists.
- We are here to exemplify civility in the midst of difference.
- We are here to exert our collective influence to heal and build up our democracy.
We have a role to play in elevating cross-partisan relationships that will make this possible.
We have a responsibility to instill Loyal Antagonism as a norm of the democratic process.
We have contributions to make to advance our national healing.
Hope’s energy is surging through me today, and I pray this is true for all of you, as well. Not because of the individuals who are the President- and Vice President-elect, but because of the possibilities before us.
Let’s seize this moment—our moment—to be part of our national healing. Let’s continue to put all our energy and the power of the Karass towards building a thriving democracy.
With hope in my heart,
Lori