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Sara Billups's avatar

Thank you Sarah, this is so honest and hopeful. As an aside, have you seen The Taste of Things? I think it's the most gorgeous movie I've ever seen, and I have a feeling you'd love it too

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Sarah Southern's avatar

Thank you, Sara <3

I haven't seen The Taste of Things, but it's been on my radar! I will definitely make a point to watch it soon--thanks for the nudge, friend!

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Sarah E. Westfall's avatar

Beautiful, Sarah. I so agree that proximity alone is not a cure-all, especially when so much depends on the internal posture of the people in the room. Being a person of welcome without being a welcome mat is such a complicated dance, isn’t it?

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Sarah Southern's avatar

Ohh "a person of welcome without being a welcome mat" is such an apt metaphor. But you're so right--it's such a complicated dance indeed.

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Breanne Rodgers's avatar

"I was once wrong and hungry and someone, many someones, offered kindness and sustenance as I found my way out of it." This line struck me because it's my story too. I've grown and changed and shifted because many people from various political stances and theological leanings gently challenged me out of the constricted way of living I clung so tightly to. I'll forever be grateful for it and die on the hill that we need more of it today because I've seen what it's done in my own life.

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Christina Kincaid's avatar

I just watched Babette's Feast after a spiritual director recommended it to me. What a profound film. Thank you for articulating what so many of us are feeling. It's encouragement for the heart.

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Lauren Cibene's avatar

Babette’s Feast! This was one of the brightest gems collected during my film student days, and I love how you've captured it. Thank you for feeding us here, it's so nourishing. 🧡

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Colette Eaton's avatar

This is such a beautiful and honest and brave essay. “You can’t debate someone into kindness”. Thank you for using your words to speak compassion!

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