Thread by @KatecBowler

We need each other. Even now. Especially now.

We are scared + under threat.
We are fractured + destabilized by forces of hate and disturbingly smart tech which keeps us from building trust and compassion

We are at the lowest levels of trust in institutions in 60 years (Pew)

So what can we do?

The pandemic offers us a window into our shared humanity. We are tied to one another. Our health and our futures depend on our ability to love our neighbor as ourselves.

But to create any sort of unity, we need to begin with seeking out sources of trust.

Trust is the most precious commodity we have in the information age. Who has earned our trust? Will I hold them to account if they risk of losing it?

It will feel absolutely dumb to care enough to be disappointed. But now is the season to recommit to deep, selective trust.

I've chosen to trust my university, my guilds, my newspapers, my denomination, and my local government. And by that I mean, I invest time, money, and citizenship there.

Unfortunately, like every institution, they will disappoint me. Embarrass me. Break my stupid heart.

I understand that most people are going through an intense "I MUST BLOCK PEOPLE" season because the stakes are so high and the ground shakes under our feet.

But before we break into our separate networks, make sure you have picked more than your people. Pick your institutions.

Institutions, at their best, can be shelter for the weak. And, dear God, I'm not strong enough to live without them.