22 Comments
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Carolyn R's avatar

Shannan, thanks for your continued graceful presence and responses. I'm so sorry you had to experience the rage, but grateful for you sharing your process and for the grace you extend. I'm trying to imitate your example!

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Shannan Martin's avatar

I'm trying to imitate my own example! 😮‍💨 Seeing through the lens of hate made it even clearer that we have to find a different way. I want no part of it.

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Martie Hoofer's avatar

I need this in a shirt — “Our shared enemy is fear. The universal antidote is only ever Love.” Such beautiful truth.

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Ellie Darden's avatar

But actually, yes. Can you make these Shannan!? Can proceeds go to your substack or to The Window or something you care about.

I try not to wear shirts with words (even though I DESPERATELY want to) BUT I WOULD WEAR THIS EVERY DAY.

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Shannan Martin's avatar

I love a T-shirt with words on it! Alas, I know nothing about having them made. 😅

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Miranda Worsley's avatar

I’m sorry too. But also inspired to see your reel.

My husband pointed out that around Trump’s cabinet table everyone looked scared, and we wondered what they were so afraid of , since they were all rich and the worst that could happen would be to lose their jobs. And I thought that the problem with Pilate also was that he was terrified for his career , and probably only that since he was so well connected

I think Meaghan of Sussex is a great title, I live in Sussex and would totally love to be Miranda of Sussex

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Shannan Martin's avatar

Yes, we talked about Pilate's initial reluctance to punish Jesus and how it was his own fear that dictated his actions. Fear from every angle of that story!

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Ellen's avatar

Thanks for another round of CPR, Shannan.

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Shannan Martin's avatar

🫶🏻

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Jenn in GA's avatar

I, too, had some intentions around Lent. Having not grown up with it, I decided to abandon it when it felt like one more thing I had to do each day.

Leaning into Love is costly. I think we’re going to have more opportunities to pay the price in the time ahead. I appreciate your counsel as I try to prepare.

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Shannan Martin's avatar

It's something I'll keep thinking about. I find we often associate disagreement with an absence of love. There's so much happening that I'll never get behind, and I'll keep speaking out. But I don't want to regress into not being able to see the humanity of my "enemies" even as they often refuse to see mine. Eyes on the prize. You know?

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Michele Brenneman's avatar

I am thankful for your ongoing work of being a good neighbor and to expose the ongoing issues in all our so called first world societies. Many have sadly forgotten to care for the least of these in our neighborhoods. It so sad how many willingly go down the rabbit hole as they do not want to face what is truly reality - even if its right in front of them. Kindness and love is what matters - thank you!!!!!

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Alisa Harvey's avatar

'Our shared enemy is fear. The universal antidote is only ever Love.' This hit me deep in my core. I had to put my coffee down and take a deep breath and then another one... Naming these fears in imperative and even more imperative is applying the antidote. What does this love look like for me today? Whatever it is may I walk it out bravely.

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Shannan Martin's avatar

Yes, yes, yes. We have to honestly name both.

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Terri Conlin's avatar

Shannan, Lent is hard always, but feeling in real time the injustice of kings and the mob who don’t know what it is they say or do is terrifying, especially when I can feel that mob trying to have a voice in me. Your honest reflection is a help to my heart with all of its hopes and fears. No wonder when God came near he was saying, “fear not”.

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Shannan Martin's avatar

I don't know how to do it, really. But I do believe that Love can somehow help displace the sort of fear that leads to rage and violence, even just within our hearts. We carry on. 🖤

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Tracey Crosby's avatar

Whatevereth shall now be part of my vocabulary 👍🏻

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Adriel Booker's avatar

Your response to the bots is incredible, Shannan. I’m thankful for your voice and your commitment to using it even when it has less than desirable consequences.

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Stephanie's avatar

I so admire you for telling the truth about how your community and state are impacted. l hate that the world is so toxic these days, but I am grateful you are willing to write/post anyway. The more people speak up then the more others speak up.

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Kim's avatar

Holding all of this. Lent has felt all over the place. You captured so much of what I’ve experienced and heard over these last few weeks from others. How do we move from reacting in fear to listening and responding with wisdom, courage and compassion? How do we keep choosing Love? Lent is just that, keep returning. Naming the fear, harm and injustice is necessary, it’s how we love courageously.

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Shannan Martin's avatar

We keep returning. I love this.

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Elizabeth Anderson's avatar

I'm so grateful for you Shannan. As ever. Thank you for your words!

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