Dear Editor:
Many of us have been moving through the various grief responses to witnessing the stunning loss of our country’s generosity and compassion. Granger Westberg, MD, years ago was one of the first pioneers in relational studies of religion and medicine (Good Grief, 1962) to identify “stages” in our experience with significant loss (initial shock, followed often by numbness, struggle with depression, physical symptoms of distress, bouts with guilt or inadequacy, recurring anger and resentment, struggle to affirm reality, and gradual emergence of hope.
In contrast to Elizabeth Kubler-Ross, who was describing five stages of grief in the face of one’s own death (On Death and Dying, 1969), Westberg was helping us understand grief in the loss of loved ones, in the loss of dreams and in the personal bereavement of losing valued realities in life.
Such responses have been the shape of my grief as I have watched our government withdraw essential international funds to starving people and redirect tax relief to the wealthiest, while increasing our national debt to do so.
But, my sense of helplessness as a grieving minority voice is challenged by more than one voice from the past reminding me of what I can do in the face of discouragement and loss:
- “How does this thing prevent you from acting with courage, discipline, justice and wisdom?” (Marcus Aurelius, Meditations)
- “Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up. (Galatians 6:9)
- “The world’s hope in its minorities” (sermon by Harry Emerson Fosdick, 1933)
Armed with such encouragement, I have challenged my friends in church to consider doubling their gifts to organizations caring for the hungry and sick. Here are a few choices I believe in and donate to regularly: International Rescue Committee, UNICEF, CARE, Kids in Need of Defense, American Red Cross, Americares, Feeding America, and local food banks.
Strengthen your heart (cour–age), double your determination, speak truth, find a charity or church project that you are comfortable with, vote every time, and increase your generosity. God’s vulnerable children need our help to survive.
Daniel G. Bagby, Richmond, Va.