That one time I got a little political (and danced!)...

I didn't go to the women's march this last weekend.  I had a lot of friends that did (men, women, straight, gay, transgender, black, white, Jewish, Christian) and I have some friends that have expressed why they didn't and wouldn't want to go.  I heard people ask what it was really about in the first place, and I imagine with so many different people there, it meant different things for different people.  Still, I can respect that so many people let their voices be heard and did so peacefully, at least here in KC, and from what I could see from my marching friends in Denver and Washington.  Was everyone kind?  I know they weren't.  But remember all of those different people there? One person's story is not another's and one person's behavior doesn't always reflect a whole group.  This is true for everyone.  Those in favor of the march, those opposed, and those indifferent.

I'm a person that doesn't really subscribe to any one political belief.  I'm somewhere in the middle and can't figure out where or if I really want to belong to a certain category of politics.  I know that I care about people, and also care about freedom.  I think fiscal responsibility is a good thing, but I also think that what is fiscally responsible for individuals or families may not be what's best for a whole group of people, say an entire state or country.  I like peace, those that listen, and those that stand up for what they think is right.  I will not deny that my experiences living abroad have shaped my view on globalization and that I care what my friends and others abroad think and care about.  I don't believe compromise is a dirty word.  Because of what I do for a living, I care about health care, education, and support for those with special needs.  I believe in life and the quality of life: of infants, toddlers, children, teens, adults, mothers, fathers, the elderly, criminals, the sick, the lonely, the poor, the rich, the oppressed, natives, immigrants, the misunderstood, the weak, and the strong.  Everyone is someone worth fighting for (but sometimes I have to remind myself of that), and no one experience is exactly like another.  Just because something hasn't affected me personally doesn't mean it ceases to be a problem for those that it affects, and it doesn't mean that others shouldn't have a choice or a voice when it comes to what is best for them.  I care about facts and science very much, but I know that feelings can be a bigger driving force at times. Clear communication is important, and I care very much about how well systems/organizations work.  I'm conservative when it comes to my own personal choices but liberal when it comes to others.  I hope and pray that I can become more liberal in love, grace, and compassion while being disciplined, self-aware, and seeking wisdom and discernment.

As for what I did do this weekend: on Saturday we served the people of greater KC by participating in Faithwork through our church.  Micah and I packed boxes of needed household goods selected by families that are trying to get a new start in the community.  That afternoon, after going to a celebration lunch for some missions partners, I went to Walgreens to pick up my birth control prescription, which under my current insurance plan, is free.  I got to drive my car some, but also took public transportation.  I got to spend time in a house that we own.  I walked by myself freely all the way through downtown Kansas City, and didn't feel afraid, wasn't accosted, or questioned by anyone.  I have the internet and a computer I can type this on.  As far as I know, this post won't be censored.  I am privileged.  I have opportunities.  Not everyone has the same as I.  Some of these opportunities I worked for, but some of them were given to me through no work of my own.  Hashtag recognize.

On a lighter note, I'm having fun working on a song with my friend David, I have a coffee date with a friend planned for next week, and I have another song-writing friend lined up to work with in February.  Fun stuff :)  My friends David, Justin, and others (aka Smokey James and the Avalanche) also submitted a video/song for the NPR Tiny Desk Contest.  You can find that above or find my idea for a response video here (where the dancing comes in).  Please, please, please, consider making your own #thisismyavalanche dance response video.  I've gotten some likes and laughs on mine but it was meant to inspire others to dance to Love's Curse as well.  DO IT!  You'll be glad you did!

Another fun note?  This is my 100th blog post on this site.  It's taken years and a lot of time off to get there, but it's happened.  Happy 100th, blog.  And happy day to you, readers.  Get to dancin' (or commenting if you so choose!).