Two (or More) Things are Usually Always True
I want us to do better with nuance.
Hi Family!
I awakened this morning with both the usual gratitude and the usual pain. Living with chronic illness means that my body often refuses to cooperate with me—a reality of mine for the last decade. Interestingly enough, it’s something I’ve only somewhat accepted. I say somewhat because hope is something I seem to carry in endless supply—even despite anxiety and depression trying its damndest to squash it. And yet, even with hope as an ever-present light and healing coming in fits and starts, the stiffness, pain, and fatigue are still my burden.
This brings me to this week’s contemplation: One of the things I wish people truly understood better nowadays is nuance. There is not a situation or subject in this world that doesn’t have complexity. Why we refuse to understand that is beyond me. Are we that afraid of being wrong? Of not having the answer? Of embracing uncertainty? Whatever the reason, I want us all to do better at holding multiple truths at the same time. Especially Black folks.
It’s not like it’s a foreign concept for us. Our ancestors were brilliant at it. Many of them understood that their present circumstances (enslavement, the terror of lynching, Jim Crow, etc) could never negate the possibility of freedom. A liberation mindset meant persisting through the adversity while keeping their “eyes on the prize.” They could look around them and see the absolute horror of their environment but also dig deep enough into their souls to locate a joy and peace that, as the good book says, passes all understanding.
Unfortunately, the polarity of today’s world means that nuance is often confused with neutrality. If I express something that highlights the complexity of any human conflict (social, political, or spiritual) then I run the risk of being accused of “hedging” or “fence-sitting.” This is not necessarily true though. For me, I will always stand on the side of justice, but will also be very curious about what motivates those who don’t. I will always stand with and for strategically marginalized people but will also always want to explore what makes those same people stand against their own best interest. I will always believe that lovingkindness should lead any conversation and conflict, but I also think there is a place for rage. Even when my position on a subject is solid, I’m always going to be open to fruitful dialogue that attempts to heal the deep wounds created by any kind of personal or systemic inequity.
I guess what I’m getting at is this: It’s always both/and. Always. The chronic pain in my body is real. But so is the hope and joy in my heart. Living in the tension of that is what has made one glorious life. It has made me deeply appreciative of every victory and unwilling to sit too long in any despair. And the same goes with the tensions that exist in our society. The devastation I feel at how murderous this world can be is absolutely real. But so is my belief that love wins every. single. time. Call it naive if you want, but I think I’ve lived long enough to realize that two (or three, four, or five) things can be true at the same time. Now it’s just about learning to be okay with that—and leaving the outcomes to the God of my understanding.
More soon, Friends.
Be well,
tmlg
I have a new book coming!
The Black Joy Playbook: 30 Days to Intentionally Reclaiming Your Delight (Ink and Willow/Waterbrook/Penguin Random House) hits stores and bookshelves on October 29th. It is a beautiful journal and daily devotional that turns the message of my previous book, Black Joy: Stories of Resistance, Resilience, and Restoration, into actionable steps for you to locate and reclaim YOUR joy. I would love your support! Pre-order the book today by clicking the image below.
