Right now I feel that speaking out is a sometimes dangerous and heart breaking...the backlash from those aligning with this administration can be huge. Staying silent, for me, is beyond heart breaking. Staying silent feels like watching a building burn to the ground, knowing that someone might be inside. I can't, just like you can't. I don't think that anyone should be asked to. Thank you for continuing to put words to these crazy days!!
I hear you, Jodi. I am so torn in two. But maybe that's not a terrible place to be? I hope it proves our hearts are still soft and tender instead of jaded and cold.
At the Iowa Writers' Collaborative meetup in Keosauqua in April, I said out loud what I often feel about the small-town-slice-of-life pieces I write for my own IWC column, "Reporting from Quiltropolis," that my topics are frivolous compared to what journalists like Robert Leonard, Rekha Basu, and Dave Busiek have to say about the state of our state and our nation. "No," Bob Leonard said, "we need those stories too, in order to stay grounded, to balance the rest." No matter what you write about, Nicole, whether it's gardening or injustice, I want (and need) to read you.
Your comment made my day, Marianne. I often feel like I write about frivolous, "fluffy" things... And I'm not a trained journalist! My imposter syndrome can be intense. But I'm glad we're here. Grateful for your voice and your stories, Marianne. I want and need to read you, too.
You are absolutely on track. (I'm still gasping over the idea that books "don't matter.") While staying silent isn't the answer, neither is letting the noise take over our lives. Thanks for what you do.
Right?!? I don’t think it was meant in an overarching way… Just that right now a five-star review seems superfluous. Still, I disagree. ;-) Thanks so much for taking the time to engage! Grateful for you!
You’ve encapsulated the thoughts and feelings I’ve found so hard to articulate- thank you! And I will join you in the gray space (it’s real, that’s for sure) - by subscribing!
I really enjoyed your column today. It speaks to many of the feelings I have and the stress I feel every single day. Thank you for writing so eloquently about the struggles we all have day to day with this president and his shameful policies. Thank you!
Ms. Baart: you go with the Oxford definition because it adds “especially to the exclusion or detriment of the interest of other nations”. I know of no Christian who espouses nationalist views who wishes ill to other nations. You stick with Oxford as it places you on higher ground in your Christianity. Not very Christian.
Oxford was the first one that popped up. Here’s the next three in order that they appear in my Google search.
Britannica: nationalism, ideology based on the premise that the individual’s loyalty and devotion to the nation-state surpass other individual or group interests
Webster: an ideology that elevates one nation or nationality above all others and that places primary emphasis on promotion of its culture and interests as opposed to those of other nations, nationalities, or supranational groups
ThoughtCo: Nationalism is an ideology expressed by people with a devotion and loyalty to their country that takes precedence over obligations to other groups
There’s nothing wrong with having national pride. But identifying as a nationalist (especially a Christian nationalist) has serious connotations that denote cultural supremacy and often ideological extremism that simply is not of Christ. ALL tribes, tongues, and nations in the kingdom of God. We are one. If the dictionary definitions clash with your understanding of nationalism, you’re probably using the wrong word—and creating confusion and misunderstandings around who you are and how you want to show up in the world.
I’m so glad to hear that. It sounds like your friends aren’t Christian nationalists, they’re Christian’s who take pride in their nation. I would be wary of anyone who eagerly assumes the mantle of something that is so closely associated with bigotry, hatred, and violence.
A mantle does not implicitly imply bigotry, hatred and violence (though you say it does). Individual actions do that. So, stop with the blanket assumptions about Christian Nationalists. Might I begin making assumptions about you by the nationalist vibes you might agree with?
“Christian nationalism is evil and wrong”. Wow! Guessing you love painting yourself with the Christian tag - not so much with the nationalism moniker. Please tell us what is wrong in wanting the best for this, our country? You can’t. Your generations past would certainly want the best for this - their country. Your problem is putting the words together and equating it with some white, racist, homophobic agenda. Well, here’s a news alert: not all Christian nationalists are bad. We are Christian first and foremost. And, we want the best for this country. If you care not that millions of people break our laws to enter our country illegally, that’s up to you. I would tell you to lobby and change the laws.
This is the Oxford dictionary definition of nationalist: "a person who strongly identifies with their own nation and vigorously supports its interests, especially to the exclusion or detriment of the interests of other nations."
Christian nationalism is antithetical to the gospel.
Right now I feel that speaking out is a sometimes dangerous and heart breaking...the backlash from those aligning with this administration can be huge. Staying silent, for me, is beyond heart breaking. Staying silent feels like watching a building burn to the ground, knowing that someone might be inside. I can't, just like you can't. I don't think that anyone should be asked to. Thank you for continuing to put words to these crazy days!!
I hear you, Jodi. I am so torn in two. But maybe that's not a terrible place to be? I hope it proves our hearts are still soft and tender instead of jaded and cold.
At the Iowa Writers' Collaborative meetup in Keosauqua in April, I said out loud what I often feel about the small-town-slice-of-life pieces I write for my own IWC column, "Reporting from Quiltropolis," that my topics are frivolous compared to what journalists like Robert Leonard, Rekha Basu, and Dave Busiek have to say about the state of our state and our nation. "No," Bob Leonard said, "we need those stories too, in order to stay grounded, to balance the rest." No matter what you write about, Nicole, whether it's gardening or injustice, I want (and need) to read you.
Your comment made my day, Marianne. I often feel like I write about frivolous, "fluffy" things... And I'm not a trained journalist! My imposter syndrome can be intense. But I'm glad we're here. Grateful for your voice and your stories, Marianne. I want and need to read you, too.
Well said, Nicole.
Thanks for reading.
Hi Nicole,
I've been a huge believer in the both/and concept for a long time. You articulated what it means so well. Thank you.
I’m so glad it resonated, Nancy. Thanks for taking the time to leave a comment.
You are absolutely on track. (I'm still gasping over the idea that books "don't matter.") While staying silent isn't the answer, neither is letting the noise take over our lives. Thanks for what you do.
Right?!? I don’t think it was meant in an overarching way… Just that right now a five-star review seems superfluous. Still, I disagree. ;-) Thanks so much for taking the time to engage! Grateful for you!
I enjoy your column! Love that photo as well
Thank you for reading!
Oh, how on target you are!
Thanks for reading, Julie.
You’ve encapsulated the thoughts and feelings I’ve found so hard to articulate- thank you! And I will join you in the gray space (it’s real, that’s for sure) - by subscribing!
Cindy! Thank you so much! It’s readers like you who ensure that I can keep doing this little side gig I love. Big hugs from Northwest Iowa. 🤗
We are also NW Iowa !!
That’s awesome! We’re neighbors.
I really enjoyed your column today. It speaks to many of the feelings I have and the stress I feel every single day. Thank you for writing so eloquently about the struggles we all have day to day with this president and his shameful policies. Thank you!
I appreciate you, Jill. Thanks for being here.
Nice post. I struggle with the concepts of speaking truth to power vs. just being angry. I don't want to feed the 'Anger Economy' ... https://moretothat.com/ending-the-anger-economy/ ...
"But what if, in these moments, you ask yourself these 2 questions:
(1) Is there anything I can do about this event right now to make a change?
or…
(2) Am I just going to get angry about it and go online?"
It’s so hard not to just be angry! It’s a daily struggle for me. Thanks for being here.
Thanks for articulating this position so well!
You're so welcome, John.
Thank you, Nicole, for your thoughtful piece. You continue to educate me and make me want to be a better person.
Thank you for reading! I'm so glad you're here.
Ms. Baart: you go with the Oxford definition because it adds “especially to the exclusion or detriment of the interest of other nations”. I know of no Christian who espouses nationalist views who wishes ill to other nations. You stick with Oxford as it places you on higher ground in your Christianity. Not very Christian.
I know a lot of so called 'Christians' who are not acting very Christian. Many are sitting in the WH!
Oxford was the first one that popped up. Here’s the next three in order that they appear in my Google search.
Britannica: nationalism, ideology based on the premise that the individual’s loyalty and devotion to the nation-state surpass other individual or group interests
Webster: an ideology that elevates one nation or nationality above all others and that places primary emphasis on promotion of its culture and interests as opposed to those of other nations, nationalities, or supranational groups
ThoughtCo: Nationalism is an ideology expressed by people with a devotion and loyalty to their country that takes precedence over obligations to other groups
There’s nothing wrong with having national pride. But identifying as a nationalist (especially a Christian nationalist) has serious connotations that denote cultural supremacy and often ideological extremism that simply is not of Christ. ALL tribes, tongues, and nations in the kingdom of God. We are one. If the dictionary definitions clash with your understanding of nationalism, you’re probably using the wrong word—and creating confusion and misunderstandings around who you are and how you want to show up in the world.
You can quote all the dictionaries you want. I live in the real world and my Christian friends don’t wish ill will on any other countries.
I’m so glad to hear that. It sounds like your friends aren’t Christian nationalists, they’re Christian’s who take pride in their nation. I would be wary of anyone who eagerly assumes the mantle of something that is so closely associated with bigotry, hatred, and violence.
A mantle does not implicitly imply bigotry, hatred and violence (though you say it does). Individual actions do that. So, stop with the blanket assumptions about Christian Nationalists. Might I begin making assumptions about you by the nationalist vibes you might agree with?
“Christian nationalism is evil and wrong”. Wow! Guessing you love painting yourself with the Christian tag - not so much with the nationalism moniker. Please tell us what is wrong in wanting the best for this, our country? You can’t. Your generations past would certainly want the best for this - their country. Your problem is putting the words together and equating it with some white, racist, homophobic agenda. Well, here’s a news alert: not all Christian nationalists are bad. We are Christian first and foremost. And, we want the best for this country. If you care not that millions of people break our laws to enter our country illegally, that’s up to you. I would tell you to lobby and change the laws.
This is the Oxford dictionary definition of nationalist: "a person who strongly identifies with their own nation and vigorously supports its interests, especially to the exclusion or detriment of the interests of other nations."
Christian nationalism is antithetical to the gospel.