Are We?

Are we expected to hold space even when that space feels unsafe? Are we called to listen even when the words—under the banner of “free speech”—ridicule, humiliate, dehumanize, or hate?

I wrestle with these questions, not just as an observer of the world, but as someone who knows I have my own inner work to do. My reactions, my boundaries, my silence or my voice—they all reveal something about me too.

Boundaries are not betrayals. I can recognize the good in someone and still choose not to stand in their presence. I can love people from afar without inviting their harm into my life.

Too often, the “standard” of coexistence is unbalanced—some are expected to endlessly accept, while others feel free to act without regard. I have to ask myself, where have I allowed that imbalance in my own life, and how can I respond differently?

True coexistence doesn’t mean sacrificing safety or self-respect. It means honoring humanity without erasing your own. And that starts within. If I can’t respect and protect myself, how can I honestly honor the humanity of others?

Opinions are not a free pass when it comes to character. What we choose to say—and how we choose to say it—reveals more about who we are than what we claim to believe. Freedom of expression doesn’t absolve us from responsibility; it invites us to consider the impact of our words.

And for me, it’s also an invitation to look inward…am I living in a way where my words and actions truly reflect the character I hope to embody?

I’ve got love to do. ❤️

Public Discourse

Words are not just words.

When we talk about “public discourse,” it’s not enough to just show up and say, I was willing to hear the other side. We have to ask: what are we really doing with our words?

A “debate” is not the same thing as an “open discussion.” “Persuasion” isn’t neutral. “Propaganda” cloaks itself in the language of freedom.

Too often, these words are blurred together — leaving us to believe we’ve witnessed open dialogue, when in reality, the space was shaped to steer, convince, or conquer. If we want to honestly claim we understand public discourse, we must first understand the words we use to describe it. Because clarity of language shapes clarity of thought.

And perhaps the deeper reflection is this: real dialogue isn’t about victory, it’s about presence. It isn’t about bending others to our will, but about being willing to meet at the edges of our differences — without disguising our intent.

The invitation: Pay attention to the words we use — and the intentions behind them. That’s where real understanding begins.