First Women’s March with my daughters: We wore matching shirts that said, “We go high. Love trumps hate.” - Michelle Obama
What I thought I heard, living in the land of the free, was that all people are welcome here.
Then 2016 happened. I curled into the fetal position the next day. I called into work sick. I sobbed with cries of disbelief, grief, and injustice.
My husband voted for this person. Lids of boxes I had neatly tucked away labeled “sexual trauma” came flying off. Walking through the pungent compost of that decision provided us with the fruits of how being grabbed by your pussy leaves a mark. He needed to understand that from my perspective. I held him hostage through tearful rage. He listened. We grew. And here we are: 25 plus years into the messy beautiful sacrament called marriage.
Then 2018 happened. From the manure came the women, the community, the story tellers, the ones who brought a side dish, the ones who brought a main dish, the ones who listened without judgment, the ones who reminded me I was not crazy, the ones who were waking up just like me, the ones who created an unconditionally fiercely loving Village. So thanks #45 - you helped prove that the Lord does indeed work in mysterious ways.
Then 2022 happened. Roe v Wade was overturned. What in the actual God forsaken country of free speech and women's rights, is happening? I speak from experience when I say, anyone who is seeking medical help for an abortion, does not want one. Also, that information is NONE of anyone else’s business. End stop.
I am far from perfect, but I am trying. I explain to my children that I am impressed by their generation’s fluidity. I also remind them that when I use incorrect pronouns, please deliver me grace. I was born in the Redwoods, and they were born in Vegas. I’m still stumbling out of my tent. I may trip up and say she/her when I should say they/them but one thing remains constant: FREE MOM HUGS. For all the babies. I’m not fucking around: line up and bring it in.
Now 2024 has arrived. November is coming, November is coming. My friends, we must not stay quiet. We must continue to rally and fight. We must not fall asleep. We cannot afford to become indifferent. We must wield our power through by voting. We must use our voices, refusing to be silenced. We must stand together. For the future of those who came before us. For those who are here now. And for those yet to come.
Are you with me?
Are you fired up?
Are you fed up?
Are you ready for that kind of revolution?
Excellent.
We will not back down.
Not now.
Not ever.
these girls, now young women, are counting on us
If you need to be reminded of how we are rising up, I recommend listening to Revolution by Tracy Chapman.
Join Shana McLean Moore and I as we dive into rich topics, while creating a circle of courage with you! Fridays from 12-1:30 pm PT online
June 21 : THEME: Courage
July 12: THEME : Acceptance
💜FILLING FAST: John Roedel and Michelle Francois-Walsh are thrilled to be co-facilitating Heart Write Soul: a 6 week online opportunity welcoming each of us to embrace the wildness of your narrative, to celebrate imperfections, and to write with unguarded honesty.
Join us for 6 Wednesdays from 12-1:30 pm PT : June 5, 12, 19 and July 3, 10, 17.
💜JUST ADDED: In Person Soul Sauce Writing in San Jose, California in Michelle’s backyard sanctuary this summer. 3 different invitations. Learn more HERE.
💜You can find out more about our community that embraces everyone exactly as they are at www.myvillagewell.com
Keep reading with a 7-day free trial
Subscribe to My Village Well with Michelle to keep reading this post and get 7 days of free access to the full post archives.