I’ve been searching for words to sum up the world over the past few weeks. I realize that there is mistrust in humanity by some. In the past week, I’ve tried not to say too much, but instead put my listening ears on with a heavy dose of empathy. I have listened to farmers, massage therapists, soccer moms, high schoolers, grocers, baristas, lawn care techs and personal trainers all talk about the world where nobody listens to their needs, their struggles and their problems. Somewhere in the world lacking fact checking and actual dialogue we’ve lost the ability to actually listen and understand how to connect. The large problems all need to solved one small step at a time. One little conversation at a time, with kindness and empathy. Blanket statements will only lead to bigger problems and unforseen complications. I keep thinking this DMB song sums up a whole lot of the current world order.

What You Are was released on the Everyday album back in February 2001. I consider this to be one of those timeless songs for different challenges to humanity, to my community, and to his country. I recall what freedom we gave up in the name of national security shortly after September 11, 2001. We never. really gave up those extra protective measures at any point since then, leading to this period where law and order has been allowed to masquerade for whoever was in charge of the power and not always for right or wrong.

I walk into this room, oh
All eyes on me now
But i do not know the people inside

Look straight through me these eyes
Seeking more wisdom than i have to give away
Realize, realize what you are

Chorus:
What you’ve become just as I have
Are you and i so unalike?
I don’t hear you just as I am
Afraid if we dance we might die
Mock the world, live say say
Why don’t you know?
If you live life, oh, then you become what you are

The sea is unsparing
We are all drifting away, away from you, I pray for you now
Hoping to God on high is
Like clinging to straws while drowning
Oh realize, realize what you are

What you’ve become just as I have
Are you and i so unalike?
I don’t hear you just as I am
Afraid if we dance we might die
Mock the world, live say say, why don’t you know?
When you live life, then you become what you are

What you are
Is the beast in the lover’s arms
What you are
Is the devil in the sweet sweet kiss
What you are
Is missing a piece
What you are
Is a puzzle to me

What you’ve become just as I have
Are you and I so unalike?
I don’t hear you just as I am
Afraid if we dance we might die
Mock the world, give till you die
Don’t you know, when you give life
Then you become what you are

Why don’t trust me
Trust yourself

Let’s take time to listen and share our humanity as we approach this upcoming Thanksgiving Holiday. If you are gathered together please get up and dance.