Barenbrug USA’s Post

"It’s not just contentment or even a greater sense of aliveness, though Gay would say both are wonderful outcomes. He wants us to consider an even more profound possibility, that 'joy is an ember for wild and unboundaried solidarity.' And who knows what such communal care and witnessing can bring into our lives, and into our heartbroken world?" Read our book review of Ross Gay's "Inciting Joy" here: https://bit.ly/48gBYHp

"In the end, we will remember not the words of our enemies, but the silence of our friends." - Martin Luther King Jr. I do not fear the overtly racist or even those labeled as such due to the nuances of their beliefs or voting habits. Far more dangerous are nice people who say nothing. People, who in the words of Jane Elliot wouldn’t want to be Black in America, but simultaneously can’t say out loud that something is wrong. The man pictured here and all over LinkedIn today was a peaceful protestor who used every legal avenue to make his case and was murdered. This MLK Day is made somewhat somber by the ongoing propaganda wars that shrouds the subject of race in America and threatens to prevent further progress on the matter of self-evident truths about our humanity. Despite the fact that history has taught us that humans have the capacity to commit acts of gross evil, and in the same window of time also shown our ability to look the other way when we are not directly affected; MLK Day reminds me that humans have demonstrated the power of coalition across racial and religious boundaries; we’ve shown a brand of compassion that not only breaks the heart but makes Black men and White men lock arms placing themselves in harms way for the cause of justice. If you believe in Karma, the reciprocity of the universe or reaping what you sow, my ask of us this MLK Day is to challenge our silence and trust in the laws of vindication for doing what is right, always. #MLK #humanityfirst #justicematters

Still time to sign up for this deep dive into our relationship with whiteness regardless of who we are as racial beings with the goal of increasing our embodiment and application of antiracism and collective liberation. It starts with us as individuals. Learn more here: https://lnkd.in/dJ5-5zQ

Juneteenth is the oldest nationally/internationally celebrated commemoration of the ending of slavery in the United States. From its Galveston, Texas origin in 1865, the observance of June 19th as the African American Emancipation Day has spread across the United States and beyond. Today Juneteenth commemorates African American freedom and emphasizes education and achievement. It is a day, a week, and in some areas, a month marked with celebrations, guest speakers, picnics and family gatherings. It is a time for reflection and rejoicing. It is a time for assessment, self-improvement and for planning the future. Its growing popularity signifies a level of maturity and dignity in America long over due. In cities across the country, people of all races, nationalities and religions are joining hands to truthfully acknowledge a period in our history that shaped and continues to influence our society today. Sensitized to the conditions and experiences of others, only then can we make significant and lasting improvements in our society. General Order Number 3 One of General Granger’s first orders of business was to read to the people of Texas, General Order Number 3 which began most significantly with: "The people of Texas are informed that in accordance with a Proclamation from the Executive of the United States, all slaves are free. This involves an absolute equality of rights and rights of property between former masters and slaves, and the connection heretofore existing between them becomes that between employer and hired laborer." General Gordon Granger, June 19th 1865 in Galveston, Texas

𝗛𝗮𝘃𝗲 𝘆𝗼𝘂 𝗲𝘃𝗲𝗿 𝗵𝗲𝗮𝗿𝗱 𝗮𝗯𝗼𝘂𝘁 𝗽𝗼𝗹𝘆𝗰𝗲𝗻𝘁𝗿𝗶𝗰 𝗽𝗮𝗿𝘁𝗶𝗰𝗶𝗽𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻? In recent years, Christian workers have used the term “polycentric,” meaning “many centers,” associated with the Christian mission to proclaim that it should not be understood as “from the West to the rest” but rather “from everywhere to everywhere.” But what has not been discussed as widely has been the funding side of this polycentric vision. This post aims to locate biblical insights for this modern conversation. 𝗟𝗲𝗮𝗿𝗻 𝗺𝗼𝗿𝗲 𝗮𝗯𝗼𝘂𝘁 𝗽𝗿𝗼𝗺𝗼𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗽𝗼𝗹𝘆𝗰𝗲𝗻𝘁𝗿𝗶𝗰 𝗽𝗮𝗿𝘁𝗶𝗰𝗶𝗽𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗳𝗿𝗼𝗺 𝘁𝗵𝗶𝘀 𝗯𝗹𝗼𝗴 𝗮𝘁 https://lnkd.in/dRzw-5Q8

I'm thinking a lot about liberation today. How can we free our voices, our minds, ourselves from oppressive systems, workplaces, and social spaces? Anxiety stealing our ability to articulate our ideas and express ourselves clearly and completely. Toxic workplaces stifling and silencing voices who don't fit into some dominant way of communicating. Oppressive systems all around us including (but not limited to) white supremacy, misogyny, ableism, transphobia, homophobia, islamophobia, anti-semitism and the list goes on forcing us to critique and criticize ourselves and our voices. Liberation is something I've learned and am still learning from predominantly Black guides and teachers. And from those with lived experience of oppression that I will never understand. I believe our voices are vehicles for liberation. I believe our voices have the power to change our world. I believe liberation is possible. But it takes all of us using the power of our voices to speak truth to power. Calling out oppression when we see it. Calling each other in (and keeping our force of change on the systems that silence us and not each other). And imagining a new way forward through the power of collective liberation. Not just for people who look like us or share our ancestry. But for us all.

It is time for it. Read our paper to deepen on the issue and watch the video for a summary. https://lnkd.in/eSvtWrCg https://lnkd.in/eRtP7sF5

Do you realize the tremendous power behind America’s promise and the American Dream? It must have taken enormous effort to build a new nation. What resonates to this day is a strong foundation of moral values and belief systems that define what this nation was made for (equality, freedom of speech, justice, dignity etc). When moral standards are high, they provide an unshakable foundation to build a better and greater nation. Conversely, when foundation is weak and lacks values, it can crumble like a house of cards during times of trial. It's everyone's job to uphold the highest moral standards for our own sake and for everyone else. In our current day we are constantly influenced by manipulation, disempowerment that leads us to believe how little power we have to change the larger landscape. It is easy to go down the rabbit hole of thought processes that believes, "I can’t change this situation. It does not really impact me that much. It is not in my power." In doing so, we actually give away all our power to what is trying to take it from us. That’s not the way. We must stand for something! We must strongly resist what breaks us apart. While you might have limited opportunities to effect larger-scale changes, the decision that matters is what you stand for in your own heart and how you carry yourself in your life. Declare the world you want to live in and uphold moral values that reflect what makes you fulfilled. You can condemn what hurts and robs your life of joy, health and resources, and command what's right and aligned for you. It doesn't matter if people in your life listen, because the One who always listens is God. We place "firm reliance on the protection of divine Providence," as the Declaration stands. Today, is the day to celebrate your freedom because the kind I am talking about it eternal, and no one can take it away from you. Happy 4th! #uncoveryourgreatness Monika Sawyer

As an apolitical artist, I feel compelled to address the recent incident at the political rally in Pennsylvania involving former President Trump. While I don't align with any particular political ideology, I believe in the sanctity of human life and the importance of peaceful discourse. The events that unfolded are deeply concerning and highlight the volatile nature of our current political climate. As creators and artists, we have a unique platform to inspire change and promote understanding. Let's use our talents to bridge divides rather than deepen them. In times like these, it's crucial to remember that life is precious and irreplaceable. No political agenda or disagreement should ever escalate to a point where safety is compromised. We must strive for a world where differing opinions can coexist without threat or violence. As we navigate these turbulent times, let's channel our energy into creating art that unites, heals, and sparks meaningful conversations. Together, we can paint a brighter future - one brushstroke of compassion at a time. #ArtForPeace #UnityOverDivision #LifeFirst #CreateNotHate #artist #education #business #kizuruarts

𝗛𝗮𝘃𝗲 𝘆𝗼𝘂 𝗲𝘃𝗲𝗿 𝗵𝗲𝗮𝗿𝗱 𝗮𝗯𝗼𝘂𝘁 𝗽𝗼𝗹𝘆𝗰𝗲𝗻𝘁𝗿𝗶𝗰 𝗽𝗮𝗿𝘁𝗶𝗰𝗶𝗽𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻? In recent years, Christian workers have used the term “polycentric,” meaning “many centers,” associated with the Christian mission to proclaim that it should not be understood as “from the West to the rest” but rather “from everywhere to everywhere.” But what has not been discussed as widely has been the funding side of this polycentric vision. This post aims to locate biblical insights for this modern conversation. 𝗟𝗲𝗮𝗿𝗻 𝗺𝗼𝗿𝗲 𝗮𝗯𝗼𝘂𝘁 𝗽𝗿𝗼𝗺𝗼𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗽𝗼𝗹𝘆𝗰𝗲𝗻𝘁𝗿𝗶𝗰 𝗽𝗮𝗿𝘁𝗶𝗰𝗶𝗽𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗳𝗿𝗼𝗺 𝘁𝗵𝗶𝘀 𝗯𝗹𝗼𝗴 𝗮𝘁 https://lnkd.in/g4mZCpWA