By Kelly Mellen, Managing Director, Making Things Right
When I write the words “we are in a divisive time”, I can already hear a chorus of agreement across so many avenues. I don’t have to even say what kind of division, what I think is causing it or WHO I think is at the root of it, actually. And, I won’t. Because, the fact is that divisive agendas DO exist and for some of us, that is deeply troubling. We are concerned because we see that what divides us creates fear and negates safe spaces. Division puts boundaries of barbed wire around some relationships and completely destroys others. Division pulls at the threads of unity attempting to unravel good works. It demands a focus on the whole of self rather than the whole of humanity. It’s us vs them, it’s me vs we…and it’s not good.
Do you experience weariness when it comes to divisive intentions? Me too.
Here’s what I see and believe and where I find HOPE. For all the outloud rhetoric that is expounded so often, there are STILL those of us out here working for unity. There is an old saying that the “squeaky wheel gets the grease”, so perhaps that’s why it tracks that the loud voices get the attention. But, let’s not forget how many good people we all know who are steadfastly going about their days just putting kindness, love, acceptance and hope into the world. At Making Things Right, we refer to this group of amazing humans as “the quieter middle.” This group isn’t making noise trying to gain social media attention and, surely, is not a group targeting any other group as wrong. Instead, these are the people who are simply living out a mission to make the world a more loving and accepting place for all people. These are the ones giving out the “Free Mom Hugs”, the ones who are checking in on their LGBTQ+family and friends regularly, the ones who embrace the gifts of diversity around us, and the ones who say “not on my watch” and work to advocate for those who are marginalized. There are so many ways the quieter middle folks show up in the world every day. They don’t always make the headlines and the good they do doesn’t always go viral, but they are out there loving their neighbor with no strings attached. This inspires me and fills me with both gratitude and hope.
When I am feeling overwhelmed, anxious and just ready to shut down the vitriol that I see and hear every…single…day? That’s when I remind myself that the quieter middle is always present and the work is making a difference. The divisive agenda may be loud, but I don’t really subscribe to the notion that it’s at all powerful. Many people are simply going about the business of loving well and that is the place in which hope dwells. That is the work that will turn the tide because division sleeps on this work, but the quieter middle doesn’t sleep on advocacy efforts.
Quieter middle people…we see you, we value you and we honor you. Hope resides in everything you do. THANK YOU for bringing continual good into the world by showing up with no agenda other than loving your neighbor. When you grow weary, it’s okay to rest and know that there are many people out there who also care and won’t give into the division. We are stronger together and the quieter middle will change the narrative for GOOD.
