Peace and Joy

We Are Exhausted

If you have been paying attention to the words of Black activists, particularly those who identify as women, you would have heard this phrase many times before.

We Are Exhausted

If you know any Black female physicians, the unicorns of our field, you would have heard these words many times before

We Are Exhausted

I used to find the concept of only being physically tired difficult to conceptualize. Since leaving the US I can honestly say that I am no longer referring to the deep weariness that is the feeling underlying that statement. I still pay attention, I still grieve for the sins of the world and its victims. I still worry about the future that my children will be left with, but I am no longer exhausted. I no longer feel the need to constantly justify my existence or prove my worth as a human being. I still advocate for women, with many improvements still necessary, but I am no longer slapped in the face with the malignant level of misogyny in healthcare that I left. I have found a peace that I know God wanted for me AND for ALL of His creatures. I do not know how long it will last (remember, there is no such thing as perfection), but I will enjoy it while it does.

We are deserving of Joy. We are deserving of Peace. I believe that Jesus experienced the sadness and strains of the human experience, and that He also experienced the Joy. There are many instances in the Bible where He helps bring Joy, and encourages those around him to have Joy. Dancing and revelry and happiness and Joy is our birthright and should not be experienced with guilt or a lack of humility.

I have come so they may have life. I want them to have it in the fullest possible way. 1John 10:10 (NIRV)

Some December Activities that brought me joy

There are concerts and choirs and dance clubs and oceans everywhere. My joy is not only because I can do all of these things, but that I can do them without being exhausted in the spirit.

Joy is the serious business of heaven. CS Lewis