Editorial Reflections

We persist through 42 years of difficult times

 

To persist through 42 years of "these times"—whatever the times are—is The Fig Tree's strength. We have not persisted alone, but with you, The Fig Tree family.

Sometimes in the worst of times, support has been strongest.

Today The Fig Tree faces rising prices for printing, mailing and everything, but anticipate—as with public broadcasting—our supporters will rise to the occasion, knowing we will carry on.

The chaos that is reported in billionaire-run infotainment media and coming from those in power is meant to confuse us, so we capitulate in fear to the control of those in power.

Fig Tree stories cut through that chaos to create community for common action. We've seen it over and over through the centuries as people of faith are empowered to counter hate and fear that fuels empires with that love that frees people and inspires miracles.

Words have power.

Stories have power.

Faith has the power to inspire us to persist.

We need wisdom to discern as those in power seek to divide us based on whether we are Black, Brown or white; Indigenous, citizen or immigrant, women or men, LGBTQ, cisgender or straight, young, middle-aged or old and other polarities—inviting us to distrust, even hate each other.

We invite you to discern nuances and recognize an individual's humanity over various identities, so we can come together in solidarity, persist together, understand and respect each other in ways that create miracles.

Fig Tree stories help us see beyond divisions to overcome systems of power, violence and inequity.

You, The Fig Tree family will keep our voice alive and thriving.

We will adapt as needed to the financial uncertainty—perhaps printing fewer copies as our online readership increases. Like public broadcasting, we are available for free, but your donations keep us inspiring miracles.

As you keep our vital voice vibrant, we will continue to connect you through stories with voices of multi-faith, multi-racial, multi-ethnic, multi-cultural and multi-perspective communities.

The Fig Tree offers another way for you to see each other and the world through stories that build relationships for common action.

Keep us connected, communicating and circulating so we persist in providing a voice of healing and reconciliation by informing, inspiring and involving you with the stories of everyday miracles happening all around us.

Mary Stamp - Editor