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Good words, Nancy. Thank you!!</div>
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<div id="divRplyFwdMsg" dir="ltr"><font face="Calibri, sans-serif" style="font-size:11pt" color="#000000"><b>From:</b> OE <oe-bounces@lists.wedgeblade.net> on behalf of Nancy Lanphear via OE <oe@lists.wedgeblade.net><br>
<b>Sent:</b> Friday, November 8, 2024 11:41 AM<br>
<b>To:</b> Order Ecumenical Community <oe@lists.wedgeblade.net><br>
<b>Cc:</b> Nancy Lanphear <nancylanphear@gmail.com><br>
<b>Subject:</b> [Oe List ...] Shared thoughts</font>
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<div dir="ltr">Dear friends
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<div>My daughter in law Nina sent this piece to me after the election. I find I comforting, illuminating, and wise.</div>
<div><span style="font-family:".SFUI-Regular"">From Susan Smit, Dutch author and columnist. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family:".SFUI-Regular"">“In the journey toward a better world, some destruction is necessary. For a long time, I believed democracy was the ultimate achievement of civilization. But democracy, as we see at home and abroad, cannot save itself
or bring about the profound changes needed to solve the great challenges of our time. Trump and other demagogues and autocrats have risen in the vacuum of disappointment with how the world is structured. They serve their own interests, yet unintentionally
play a role in essential systemic changes: they accelerate the breakdown of the old order.</span><span style="font-family:".SFUI-Regular""></span></p>
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<span style="font-family:".SFUI-Regular"">The creation of a new world, one where we as human beings live in harmony with all other living things, is already happening on an intangible level. You can help build it by nurturing your light, staying connected to
the source, and caring for all life around you. By keeping your heart radically open, despite the world’s madness and harshness, for those who need care. By distinguishing what is pure and choosing it over and over. Do not seek refuge in detachment, denial,
or escape; instead, attach yourself deeply to this life, this earth, this body, and the purpose of your soul. Embrace your circle of influence.</span></p>
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<span style="font-family:".SFUI-Regular"">On a tangible level, there will first be even greater chaos. It will become a circus, but you don’t have to buy a ticket. Look deeper, look further, stay calm, and focus on what is taking shape: ancient, feminine values
seeking to return to restore balance. You are being called to rise, deeply rooted and attuned, to shine more brightly than you have ever dared. Take the hands of your sisters and brothers, and place yourself in the circle. Accept the tasks you set for yourself.
Take your place.</span></p>
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<span style="font-family:".SFUI-Regular"">Let what wants to die, die. Be a midwife for what wants to be born. And let the circus be what it is.”</span></p>
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<span style="font-family:".SFUI-Regular"">Sent with love ❤️ Nancy</span></p>
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