Okay, friends.
Have a lovely one.
Today's newsletter is free to read. It reflects on the dangers of worrying about how you might look while doing good works in the world. We have a long, judgmental tradition that many have weaponized, by accusing people of "boasting" if they talk publicly about how they show up in their communities.
It's bad counsel, which causes us to censor conversations that we sorely need more of, to truly heal ourselves and the world.
https://open.substack.com/pub/mlclark/p/good-worldly-practice-starts-at-home
🙏 I was reminded of a MASH episode in which Winchester's Matthew-inspired xmas giving tradition is spoiled by a local who takes his candy and sells it to feed the children instead. There are so many layers of complexity when it comes to giving, whether it occurs in secret or in public.
What mattered most in the end was the conversation between Charles and the local that resulted in C becoming more genuinely attuned to the humanity around him.
0:58 ⬇️
Oh, GREAT episode, and key lesson.
There's a key follow-up to this concept that I try to live out where I can: I ask people before I go into the store to buy food what it is their household needs. Many are so unused to having any choice that it takes a little while for them to have the courage to say what they really need - but it always makes a difference when they do. Thanks for reading, Lise, and thanks for bringing such a perfect connecting lesson to us all. 🤗