Hope Over Troubled Waters

By Paul Rupp

At January’s Religious Freedom Forum, I said I wished we were coming together in less dire times. We were gathering as Minnesota was under an anti-immigrant siege that had already claimed the life of Renee Good, who was shot while simply observing the activities of federal agents in her Minneapolis neighborhood.

Since then, I — along with other HMN members — joined the largest group demonstration I have been part of in my life in downtown Minneapolis. The following day we were confronted with another brutal killing by federal agents — of ICU nurse Alex Pretti.

It feels like we’re at the bottom of a wave in the ocean, the storm all around us with no horizon in sight. We’re witnessing kidnappings of immigrants, even children, and the destruction of neighborhoods as people hide in their houses and businesses go dark.

When we see a glimpse of sunlight, it’s for a moment, then we come crashing back down. The people riding the waves with us all experiencing the whiplash, holding on to one another to make sure we don’t slip beneath.

I would encourage everyone to not give up hope, but to hold on to those closest to you and reach out when the sea gets choppy. Alone we would surely fall from the deck into the waters — together we will see a brighter horizon.

I encourage you to find hope in gathering with community to provide support. Find meaning in creating art, writing, and other hobbies. Find purpose in doing small incremental things that lead to change — a discussion with a neighbor, a letter to your elected officials, showing up in solidarity, and so on.

Finally, take care of yourself. Because you make this world a brighter place. Everyone in this community brings me hope and leads me to purpose. I will do everything I can to bring that to you, too.

Thank you all for being part of this vibrant community. I’m here for you and I feel with you.

Paul Rupp is Humanists MN president.