This quote made me think of an interview I saw this week with documentary film maker, Ken Burns, about the death of his mother when he was a child and the connection of that grief to his work.

“The half-life of grief is endless. But it has also been hugely productive. … I didn’t want her to die, but I don’t know what I would do without the loss being the engine of exploration, of confidence, of bravery.”

Ken Burns

As a country, we have again been shown the never-ending tragedy of violence happening in our neighborhoods and communities this week. Every time something like this happens, I feel so helpless and frustrated and stymied by the continual assault of violence, evil, apathy, hate, anger and fear that assails my senses and wounds my spirit. But, I turn to these quotes as a mantra to refocus my hopelessness into some sort of action, whether it’s a call to action to those who represent me in places of power, or the financial, emotional and spiritual support of activists and agitators who are and have been fighting tirelessly for change in how we address this deadly epidemic of violence.

Do not lose hope in our grief. Let it be a call to action, reminding us to be brave, to fight for justice, and to push love, kindness and light.