Love is Stronger Than Fear

The time to act is now.

As you are probably achingly aware, adults and children across the nation and in our communities are being detained, separated from their families, and subjected to fear and violence by systems meant to uphold human dignity. Fundamental rights many of us have long taken for granted - free speech, the right to assemble, due process - are being disregarded with alarming speed.

After witnessing recent events in Minneapolis, including the deaths of Alex Pretti and Renée Good at the hands of federal agents, I cannot remain silent. Neutrality in moments like this does not protect anyone - it reinforces existing power structures and deepens harm.

This moment calls not for panic or despair, but for grounded, loving action - action rooted in clarity, courage, and care for one another. Seeing how the people of Minnesota are showing up in sub-zero temperatures to pray, sing, protest and care for one another is resilience in action. 

We all have roles to play. Whatever your gifts are - please share them. Sing. Cook meals. Share accurate information. Protest. Organize a vigil. Make art for justice. Create a ceremony for peace.

When fear rises, doing nothing is not neutral. It is more harmful to our nervous systems to passively absorb trauma while feeling powerless, than it is to act - even in small ways. So dance. Cry. Speak up. Organize a gathering. Talk with friends and colleagues. Write to elected officials. Donate where you can. Share stories of resilience and hope. If you have a platform - use it.

When fear arises, I return again and again to this truth: love is stronger. Love can be piercingly clear. Love can be steady and resolute. Love can be a balm for the nervous system and a powerful force that moves us toward collective action. What does your love feel like right now?

If you’re feeling overwhelmed or unsure how to respond, I invite you to stay with this newsletter. At the end, I share a simple practice that helps me stay grounded so that action can be sustained.

Note: This reflection is offered from a place of care for our neighbors and a commitment to human dignity, not as a legal or political analysis.

Upcoming Community Gathering: Love is Stronger

The small loving action I’m taking is to help organize a community gathering called Love Is Stronger with Dancing Spirit Center for the Arts on February 14th (Valentine’s Day). Let’s gather in care and love for our neighbors and in solidarity with Minneapolis and all communities who are being traumatized right now. We are stronger together than we are apart. Bring yourself, a friend, and something to share if you’d like: a light potluck item, a poem, a practice, a song… Dancing Spirit Center for the Arts will provide art supplies. Come as you are. All are welcome. Saturday, February 14 | 1–4 pm Dancing Spirit Center for the Arts 465 Goddard Ave, Ignacio, CO Light potluck. Art supplies provided. Please RSVP here.

Looking Ahead Into 2026

At Sagebrush, we are grateful to be partnering with organizations and causes that uplift humanity and care for the Earth. Here are a few recent projects that bring us hope:

Recently Completed

• Facilitating the development of Montezuma County Public Health’s Public Health Improvement Plan, a process which centered community voice, collaboration, and long-term resilience. We’re grateful for the partnership with Sloan Gingg of Unclouded Communications and her vast expertise with public health. 

Current & Upcoming

• Supporting the Environmental Defense Fund’s Climate Resilient Water Systems team in developing a best-practice internal framework to guide how they engage with Indigenous partners and communities. We’re grateful to collaborate with Colleen Cooley of Cooley Consulting for her deep expertise in Indigenous engagement.
  

• Facilitating the annual strategic retreat for the Southwest Opioid Response District, helping guide decisions around the allocation of regional opioid settlement funds. This work focuses on how to best support community members and strengthen regional systems of care.
  

Across all of this work, a shared truth continues to surface: the well-being of our communities and the health of the land are deeply intertwined. Strengthening one requires care for the other.

Our Commitment

As we move further into 2026, Sagebrush is continuing to deepen our commitment to long-term, relational, equity-centered work - work that honors cultural wisdom, strengthens local leadership, and supports systems that are resilient, humane, and grounded in place.

If your organization or foundation is ready for a more intentional and courageous chapter of facilitation, strategy, or systems healing, we’d love to walk alongside you.

✍🏻 Get in Touch Today

Bonus: A Simple 3-Part Practice

I’ll leave you with a simple 3-part practice I created that helps me balance my service in the world with time for connection and nurturance. We can’t always be in action mode or we will literally burn out.

To be effective in my service in the world, I first connect - with my inner light, my values and passion for life. This also might look like connecting with current events, faith, ancestors, the Land, etc.

From that place, I serve - through facilitation, activism, and life in general. Work takes on a different meaning - and becomes an act of service, allowing me to bring my gifts forward to benefit others.

Afterward, I nurture - resting, reflecting, and restoring energy. I take time alone, in nature or with loved ones, listening to music, dancing or being creative.

From there, connection arises again, and the cycle continues.

Reflection:

What might this cycle look like for you?

What three words would you choose?

I’d love to hear from you!How did this newsletter land for you? How are you connecting, serving, nurturing yourself and your community?

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