June 1, 2020
How many times throughout this pandemic have you heard the phrase "Now, more than ever"? If you said less than roughly 10,000 times, you haven't been listening. "Now, more than ever, we need to connect..." Now, more than ever, we realize the importance of family..." Now, more than ever, we see what really matters..." And, my personal favorite; "Now, more than ever, love is so important." Really? Was love not always the most supremely important thing, or did I miss something? (Marketers, I implore you to find a new phrase.)
I thought about why this phrase is getting on my nerves, though, and I realized there's more to it than mere repetition. "Now, more than ever," just feels so temporary and non-committal to me. It seems like a passive statement that implies something is only crucial or compelling because of surrounding circumstances.
What if we deleted all of those "more than ever's?" What if we felt the urgency every day - right now - to connect, realize the importance of family, see what really matters, and prioritize love?
It's never been "now, more than ever" in my mind. Because "ever" is never promised.
I'm going to use what I've been given for good - now.
I'm going to be wrecked by injustice and moved by compassion - now, and always.
I'm going to love people - all people - as I have been loved.
right
now
Not more than ever before.
Just more.
I am broken by injustice in our world - present, past, seen, and unseen.
And I want you to know that I love you.