**WARNING: this is a political post (Kind of)
Today, I gave into temptation… and it got me so upset and I had to do something! Here I am..
It’s not what you think… unless what you think is about what I discovered is happening in my county (and city).
So, I saw it… I clicked it… I opened up Twitter and found my county, Shasta county, is dealing with 200 or so “patriots,” they call themselves, and they want the county supervisors OUT; well: three of five! Why? Well, when pandemic hit we as a city in the Golden State of California were into an infectious “purple” zone… BUT a group rose up and decided: REBEL!! Yes, led by two out of five of the supervisors (sounds a juicy novel but it’s real life)… the supervisor and his gang tried to get the rest of Shasta County to rebel and not abide by mandates!!
The people shout: we don’t want to do what the governor or leaders say! This sect was considering my county a “sovereign county” and making our own rules as NOT to abide….
What things were they rebelling against: *considering pandemic real,*trying to keep others safe, *closing businesses, *keeping distance, *limiting gatherings, *encouraging and mandating masks, and so on and so forth: this is the reason for rebellion. *I would say this is fueled by conspiracy thinking and a selfishness. Plain and simple. Heartbreaking.
I know I am not alone. It’s happening in multiple cities and around the world. We will find sects of people who prescribe to such thinking. They’re loud and proud and will cloak under religion or a sense of power and demand. It’s ok, I am not afraid. I’m upset and just trying to do something.
I’m processing here: what do we do when we see this?! What do we do if our friend is associating in such group.. for the thought is: what have we come to??? Adults who scream…shout… pout! And the reality is there is threat of physical violence from the mentality in the sect: “militia mentality” led by a few of the men. *As a child of a refugee, I pray it doesn’t go far, but it started in Cambodia with a few men… yes…it started… with… a few….
This is truly disconcerting because the leaders of the county were abiding by state guidelines and standards during pandemic. You know: to consider HOW to best care for THE MOST people FOR THE MOST amount of time for the BEST effect and outcome…
Yet, because of the rowdy few, the leaders are facing a recall.
Here’s the deal:
We’re living in pandemic, right? In case anyone reads this and DOESN’T know: we’re living in a pandemic. It’s a “live animal” so to speak and has to be something you learn hands on and day to day! Anyway, I am teaching my children, 2nd and 3rd graders, about rights and responsibilities and sadly, we are seeing a confusion in ADULTS who do not know the definition and then the differences of what is a right and what is a responsibility.
My breakdown:
People have been angry, bitter and hostile due to an infringement of their personal desire of “me, my, mine…”
See: People have been mad that they have to consider others and wear a mask or consider others and not gather continually… living life and moving at neck-breaking speeds… people have been very angry at this virus that has greatly impacted life and “normal” yet the blame has been left on anyone who has made attempts for a safer and cautious way of living while this virus is being studied and understood. People have been so mad that change has happened. *Change for most people, like 99% is difficult and seen as the enemy.
So, I wanted to share I was angry seeing this email; I refuse to see and allow this for my city. I am not sitting idly by. My children will be taught love and humility and being assertive is good… not aggression, anger and bitterness. We don’t operate in this code.
The sect of people have slipped in to many groups claiming the code for operating is religious. What religion? I don’t know but I do know if they operate outside of love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control: I know not of such people. They aren’t part of my crew…
Finally, What did I do? Wrote the board for my public comment to be read next Monday. I also encouraged the board and emailed them personally. The fun thing: I got to encourage two leaders! I know they’re working hard. I am thankful for our city, county and government leaders. No person is perfect by any means but to serve in any capacity especially during pandemic is difficult!!
My prayer tonight: Lord, may we be people who operate by your standards and leading. May we be full of love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. I pray for our county supervisors. I pray for strength, joy and peace. We ask for wisdom for leaders. May fear not knock but honor, humility and a sense of service. Lead Patrick Jones, Mary Rickertt, Leonary Moty, Les Baugh, and Joe Chimenti. We need you daily. Forgive us for when we choose self and serve self. I pray against greed for money and power. May each leader continue to consider what do we do to serve the people of Shasta County well? May they operate in peace and patience. I pray against the recall efforts and those who wish to cause harm. I pray for restoration of relationships and families in this county. Amen.
Abundant Mommyhood 