We have lived over 70 years and know something about mess. We also know something about joy and laughter. Yes, the world is a mess and as children of parents who lived through World War II, we were aware of that from an early age. Conflicts, tensions and the continual rise and fall of democracies and dictatorships have been a part of our upbringing. What are the safe landing places that steady us and give us hope? We talk about the patriarchal underpinnings of conflict and the drive for power and control that fuels it. The feminist movement is primary in its importance to the fight and is a safe landing spot. Academic research to seek understand of a conflict both religiously and historically is a safe landing spot. We have seen the conversation change regarding systemic racism and colonialism and that is a landing spot as protests and Pride Parades still happen. Our fierce stance against prejudice moves us to act as we continue to advocate for a world where all nations are equal and all peoples are equal. As our energy wanes, we pass all this onto the next generation so that they may continue to find and grow the safe landing places in our messy world.
