Dehumanization

Dehumanization is the process by which we become accepting of violations against human nature, the human spirit, and, for many of us, violations against the central tenets of our faith.

There is a line.  It's etched from dignity.  We must never tolerate dehumanization--the primary instrument of violence that has been used in every genocide recorded throughout history and makes atrocities like slavery, torture, and human trafficking possible.

When we engage in dehumanization rhetoric or promote dehumanizing images, we diminish our own humanity in the process.

--Brené Brown

[Photo taken in outskirts of Harare, Zimbabwe]

Rise Strong

Our job is not to deny the story, 

but to defy the ending

—to rise strong, 

recognize our story, 

and rumble with the truth 

until we get to a place 

where we think, Yes. 

This is what happened. 

And I will choose how the story ends.

–- Brené Brown

Manifesto of the Brave and Brokenhearted

There is no greater threat to the critics and cynics and fearmongers 

Than those of us who are willing to fall 

Because we have learned how to rise.

With skinned knees and bruised hearts; 

We choose owning our stories of struggle, 

Over hiding, over hustling, over pretending.

When we deny our stories, they define us.

When we run from struggle, we are never free. 

So we turn toward truth and look it in the eye.

We will not be characters in our stories. 

Not villains, not victims, not even heroes.

We are the authors of our lives. 

We write our own daring endings.

We craft love from heartbreak, 

Compassion from shame, 

Grace from disappointment, 

Courage from failure.

Showing up is our power. 

Story is our way home. 

Truth is our song. 

We are the brave and brokenhearted.

We are rising strong.

--Brené Brown