Love Will Save the World

I dare to believe

I wrote these words a week before the US presidential election where both primary candidates supported genocide. Now real danger increases for many people I love. As the president elect continues to lead with racism, homophobia, misogyny and fear, I dare to believe that love is the most powerful force in the world.

I dare to believe that our love will save the world- that letting our hearts break will direct us to what is ours to contribute to this beautiful burning world. I dare to believe that planting trees, protecting the water, singing in the streets, grassroots organizing to protect the most vulnerable, and big pots of stew for the hungry is our greatest hope. 

I dare to believe that love can swallow all fear. Like the Diwali rainbow scarf that Valarie unfolded on the Revolutionary Love Bus Tour- the colors can swallow the darkness, the hatred, and the belief that Puerto Rico is an island of trash. 

I dare to believe that love can outshine fear. What would happen if I erupted into song on a battlefield? Dared to wonder about my opponents? Opened my arms to an IDF soldier? If I was immortal and not excited to spend the rest of my life with my love, I might try it. 

I dare to believe there's enough for all of us- enough to eat fennel coriander crusted wild salmon for dinner and share with the men’s shelter. Enough love for each of us to be well held. Love is not a finite resource.

I believe in the power of love. It is bigger than fear. The warmth of long hugs, the taste of handmade guacamole and the beauty of cotton candy clouds at sunset - it is stronger than bombs and keeping children in cages. We don’t usually believe it and even when I write it, I second guess. But truthfully, whenever I find fear in my own heart, the only thing that can eat it is love. 

What is the revolutionary love that can turn battlefields into cuddle puddles? What is your note in the symphony? We need it more than ever.

This piece was greatly inspired by my friend Valarie Kaur’s Revolutionary Love Tour that fuels my already wildly loving heart to be louder and continue growing to “see no stranger”. Thank you to a prompt given by Mirabai Starr in our Wild Heart immersion for midwifing these words.