I am not a Plank

As we begin yet another week of posturing and rhetoric that reduces people to labeled pawns in the great American political game I want to invite folks to listen deeply for the stories of people who, at first glance, seem alien to you .

As each issue rolls across the stage remind yourself (and perhaps those around you) that you are not an “issue”.  I am not an issue or simply some bauble to be dangled in front of cameras glaring for the next controversy.  I am not a Plank.  I am a woman, a daughter, a mother, a sister, a friend, a wife, a teacher, a student, a lover, a writer, a Christian and a child of God.  I will not wait any longer for my rights in my country to equal yours.  I should no longer be afraid to tell the doctors caring for our children that I am ALSO their mom – terrified that my daughter might receive less or no care in moments of critical need.  I should not have to worry if someone will take my children from me because I am too controversial right now.  We should not teeter on the brink of ruin if my partner is injured or killed in the line of duty. I REFUSE to keep watching and reading of children taking their own lives because “good Christians” look the other way or even watch pridefully while their own children bully babies to death.

We are not an issue my friends nor are we some fictional, monolithic “lifestyle”.   We are Children of God, beloved by our creator and ready to take our rightful place in our society that is groaning toward justice.

Underneath the Planks there are millions of real people, joyful and broken souls, hopeful and tired hearts, holding up the grand stage on which the drama unfolds.

Remember, it’s not policy – it’s people.