As the ICE raids and protests in Minneapolis have ramped up—resulting not only in anguish among the targeted but, tragically, the loss of life—I’ve found my own anxiety growing rapidly without quite knowing what to do with it.
My first instinct was that I needed to be as informed as possible. My wife had occasionally forwarded me a daily newsletter, so I decided to subscribe. I also chose to sign up for a paid subscription to a news outlet that was a bit outside my comfort zone but offered a broader perspective on the unfolding events. This was a good choice. But even reliable news, when it comes in a relentless flow, can be emotionally overwhelming.
For a few days, I also took in more social media, thinking I needed to see more first-hand evidence of what was happening. Friends, this was not such a good choice. The reality of algorithms is that they compound what we’re seeing, feeding us more and more of the same. Social media is good for outrage, but not so good at perspective and context. And the truth is, we only need to see a tragic video once or twice. Steady replay is bad for the heart and hurts the soul.
We don’t know how long the crisis in Minneapolis will continue, or what areas of the country could be affected next. That’s why it’s important to stay informed and stay connected, but also to remain bound to the source of life that transcends our anguish.
In this moment, or in any other moment of crisis, remember to take time to pray. If you can take a walk, do so (though it might not be possible in the coldest Cleveland winter in a century). If you can’t, move in whatever way you can.
Be aware of yourself: how you’re taking in information, and what it’s doing to your body as it flows through you. Then close your eyes, center yourself, and breathe.
In hard times, we must remember to care for ourselves—not only so that we can endure, but so we can be ready to offer healing and recovery to others when the time comes.
Faithfully,
