Hi John, I can’t believe we’ve reached the end of the Activism Series.
This series has meant so much to me, sharing ideas that have lived on my heart for a long time, and knowing you're here, listening and thinking alongside me. Thank you. For our final part, we’re looking at two practices that seem opposite but actually go hand in hand: withdrawal and speaking truth to power. My hope is that these two ideas offer you a sense of clarity… and maybe even relief. WITHDRAWAL Withdrawal is self-care. Think of it as putting on your own oxygen mask first. One of the first things you notice about the prophets — from Abraham to John the Baptist — is their detachment from the crowds. They lived in the wilderness, away from the noise, almost hermit-like. If you wanted to hear them, you had to go out to them. Even Samuel’s school of prophets and John the Baptist’s community were removed from the hustle and bustle of society. Why? Three reasons: - They weren’t always easy people. I imagine them as intense, moody, and brutally honest. I relate. Sometimes I think, “How can we be enjoying ourselves when injustice is happening?!” Intense, I know.
- Activists need perspective. Doom-scrolling keeps us stuck in the weeds. Doom-scrolling keeps me stuck in the details. Withdrawing from social media helps me gain perspective without getting lost in every crisis.
- Withdrawal is survival. Activism is exhausting. Injustice never sleeps. The powers-that-be rely on constant crisis to wear us down. Retreat isn’t weakness, it’s wisdom.
But withdrawal isn’t just about taking breaks. The prophets didn’t just retreat to the wilderness; they lived there. They operated from a place of spaciousness and peace, enabling them to confront power effectively. I live in a relatively secluded area in New Brunswick, Canada. I have a family, friends, and neighbours, but I lead a quiet, almost inward-focused existence. This is my version of the wilderness. Not everyone can live this way, but everyone can find ways to withdraw and replenish. |
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To my fellow introverts: You’re not isolating. Sometimes you just need to take a moment for yourself and that’s okay!! I don’t want to burn out. I want to burn bright right to the end of my life. Withdrawal helps me do that. |
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You need to love yourself in order to be able to love fully. |
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SPEAKING TRUTH TO POWER We need activists. We need prophets. We need people willing to stand up and remind those in power: You serve the people, not the other way around. What can you do? A lot, actually. Here are ten things, ranked from least intimidating to most daring: - Educate yourself: Learn about the issues.
- Donate: Support causes quietly or openly.
- Sign petitions: Add your name to movements.
- Write to leaders: Let them hear your voice.
- Like & share: Spread awareness on social media.
- Attend events: Show up at town halls and discussions.
- March: Be present in protests and parades.
- Engage in conversations: Speak up when issues arise.
- Ally with others: Support those on the front lines.
- Join a group: Find a community and get involved.
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I know the world feels divided. And in many ways, it is. But I’ve also seen another reality: that we are deeply connected by love. Like a river with many shores, we may take different paths, but we’re part of the same current. Final Thought There are so many forms of activism, and I think that’s beautiful. It means each of us can find our own way to show up, in a way that’s honest, sustainable, and real. It’s not about shouting the loudest. It’s about speaking or acting in a way that comes from deep within. These actions matter. Remember to withdraw when needed, stay empathetic, seek wisdom, hold a unitive vision, and act with courage. Thank you for being a part of this journey! I hope you can take something away from this, no matter how small. Let’s make the world a more beautiful place. Every. Little. Act. Matters. You matter, my friend! Much love, David P.S. I know there are people out there who are searching for something like my Activism Series. They might be feeling down, hopeless, and overwhelmed. Share this with them and open the door for them to join our incredible community. A little act can go a long way! |
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