sentranced (adj.): the state of being captivated by a well-written sentence.
Sentranced Saturday is a weekly meme created here that encourages you to share a quote that left you entranced. It makes you think. I have a little notebook that I carry with me everywhere to write down quotes that inspire me in some way, and I am sure that I am not alone! Everyone is welcome to participate, please be sure to link to this post so I can see all of your quotes!
“I cannot be an optimist but I am a prisoner of hope.”
— Cornel West
This week I am getting a little political here because all I can think about is the political climate. While I have been living in my own dystopian nightmare for the past year and a half, the news over the last week or so has been incredibly depressing and has sparked international outrage (and rightfully so), reigniting dissent against policies in the US. Timelines on Facebook and Twitter are full of commentary on the issues and misinformation is being spread for political gain. I don’t know about you, but I find it emotionally draining.
But despite my despair, I am still hopeful for a better tomorrow. Many will call me an idealist, and to them I say yup, but I refuse to let the harsh reality of the world today beat me down or to turn me into a bitter person. Anger is power (as discussed in the AMAZING 2018 title Anger is a Gift). Channel it for good. I am a prisoner of hope, but I do not see that as a bad thing.
In times like these, I often will turn to Dr. Cornel West to sort through my thoughts. Cornel West is a modern day philosopher and activist, and dare I say a beautiful voice of reason that inspires me. He holds the idea that love for one another is integral to justice and equality, and encourages a non-violent approach to dissent that is rooted in loving one another.
“The country is in deep trouble. We’ve forgotten that a rich life consists fundamentally of serving others, trying to leave the world a little better than you found it. We need the courage to question the powers that be, the courage to be impatient with evil and patient with people, the courage to fight for social justice. In many instances we will be stepping out on nothing, and just hoping to land on something. But that’s the struggle. To live is to wrestle with despair, yet never allow despair to have the last word.”
— Cornel West
Recommended reads: Hope on a Tightrope and Race Matters
As long as hatred and xenophobia reigns supreme, there will be no justice. Keep fighting, and don’t despair.
“Never forget that justice is what love looks like in public.”
If you are wanting to find ways to become involved and do not know where to begin, consider getting involved with the ACLU through joining local chapters or a financial contribution. Consider learning about people that are different than you. Put yourselves in the shoes of those that through the lottery of birth were not afforded the same privileges as you were. And most of all, do not fight hatred and bigotry with vitriol.
What do you think about this quote, and what quote do you want to share this week?
Let’s go on another adventure together!
All of the quotes are so beautiful, especially the last one! If only people could show this love towards all around them, the world would be a far better place.
I love these quotes so much, and agree. One thing I have to tell myself all the time is that I cannot control anyone’s reactions but my own, so I try to remain as positive as possible. Maybe it will inspire others. Thanks for sharing your thoughts! 💖
I know I could not have said it all nearly as well. So fitting and appropriate. My heart has ached with recent events, but we must never lose sight of hope ❤
Thank you, sweets!
What a lovely collection of quotes for these … let’s just say “tumultuous” times? It’s so hard because the atrocities that are happening are so bad it seems like it needs to be a drop-everything-and-do-something type of moment. At the same time, when you realize there’s not a lot that can do done — venting on twitter is such a fleeting satisfaction — it’s incredibly disheartening.
For me, I’m channeling my energies into the one real thing that we can all do which is to make sure everyone around me feels compelled to vote in November.
Thank you so much for stopping by and commenting! I totally agree, rallying people to vote in November is wonderful. And voting is a great way yo make your voice heard as well.