Transitioning to Being the Stranger While Welcoming the Stranger
Life has an interesting way of guiding and inspiring us. We experience seasons of abundance and seasons of fathomless challenge on both micro and macro levels. As our nation grapples with global tariffs and a shifting world order, I’ll be honest: I feel very uninformed and have intentionally blocked out much of the static media. Still, I see the impacts within my chosen community. Some of my trans friends and connections have gone radio silent, fading away in fear and choosing isolation. I’ve watched highly skilled and educated friends lose senior-level positions, replaced by younger workers or AI-driven solutions. In my nonprofit work, I see an uptick in need like never before. I witness political back-and-forth and leaders speaking out of both sides of their mouths. My own workload has more than doubled, even as I try to move forward with steadiness and resolve. In my Spiritual practice of following the Rule of Benedict, I’ve been taught to welcome everyone especially strangers...