“I believe that you’re great, that there’s something magnificent about you. Regardless of what has happened to you in your life, regardless of how young or how old you think you might be, the moment you begin to think properly, there’s something that is within you, there’s power within you, that’s greater than the world. It will begin to emerge. It will take over your life. It will feed you. It will clothe you. It will guide you, protect you, direct you, sustain your very existence, if you let it. Now, that is what I know for sure.” ~Michael Beckwith

Art by Victor Adame

Art by Victor Adame

Dragonfly approached a Ferguson officer and attempted to make eye contact. She implored him to look at her, and when their gaze connected, she asked, “Why do you all hate us so much?” The officer responded, “I don’t hate you, ma’am.” She replied with “I don’t want to hate you, I’d rather hug you.” And when he said, “Then hug me,” she promptly put her arms around him, and they embraced whole-heartedly for nearly a minute. From that moment forward, the gaze of the #FergusonOctober #MoralMonday protest shifted from the cluster of clergy leading the protest to the officers surrounding them.

hug

(Dragonfly is a singing activist with the Stop Shopping Choir of New York City. Reverend Billy and Tom Tom Ted, with Dragonfly, were among the many activists who journeyed here to join the Ferguson October weekend. The Stop Shopping Choir will return to Ferguson on Thanksgiving weekend.

Thanks to Reverend Billy And The Stop Shopping Choir for this post. So touching. Love is the answer.

“A circle of women may just be the most powerful force known to humanity. If you have one, embrace it. If you need one, seek it. If you find one, for the love of all that is good and holy, dive in. Hold on. Love it up. Get Naked. Let them see you. Let them hold you. Let your reluctant tears fall. Let yourself rise fierce and love gentle. You will be changed. The very fabric of your being will be altered by this, if you allow it. Please, please allow it.” ~Jeanette LeBlanc

Sister circle