Also, on St. Patrick’s Day, as I found ways to celebrate and bring joy to my precious little daughter of Irish heritage and spend time with my beloved family, I later discovered that eight people—six of whom were women of Asian descent—were killed in Atlanta. . . . What else can we say? Have we not said it already? Enough with the hatred and violence against Asian people. Enough with the hatred and violence against women. Enough with the hatred and violence against Black people. Enough with the hatred and violence against any person of color. Enough with the hatred and violence against the LGBTQ+ community. Enough with the hatred and violence against ____________. Enough with the hatred and violence. Enough, enough, enough. 

In a recent class I was teaching at church, I remember saying something to the effect that when the pain of this world is bigger than we can handle or feel like we have any power to effect . . . We can still do something. Even a little something. And do it with determination and Love. 

So, last night, my little girl and I read a book that was an impulse buy from her recent preschool book fair. I just happened to see it before clicking “proceed to checkout.” It’s All are Welcome by Alexandra Penfold and Suzanne Kaufman. It’s a picture of what this world should be and could be, through the eyes of sweet schoolchildren. My little girl loves this story and the beautiful, colorful diversity that unfolds before her eyes. Her heart is open and loving and pure. May we be more like her—more like children with welcoming hearts. 

We’re reading this book again tonight.