Today, the residents of Minnesota’s Twin Cities are living while waiting, myself included.
Collectively, and regardless of what outcome we’re individually anticipating, we are waiting for a jury of our peers to decide if a police officer is guilty of murder.
Simultaneously, while wondering what world we’ll be living in after the results are read, we are waiting to find out what precedent for accountability will be set and what chaos will ensue.
Will sleepless nights of riotous noise, indistinguishable from gunfire and bombs, return to our communities? Will our black neighbors have to continue living in fear of a traffic violation? Will all law officers continue to be judged upon the actions of those who, without consequence, abuse their power?
So, with all of this waiting going on, I can’t help but wonder, how is everyone managing? What action or inaction is appropriate right now? What do we do while we wait and wonder? How do we combat feelings of helplessness?
As comforting as our morning beds are before we’ve accepted the realities of our day, it’s just not practical to maintain that blissful state of ignorance. We need to figure it out. We need to earn a living. We have to keep going.
So we fight through the fog of living in limbo and manage.
Some, terrified that their livelihood is in jeopardy, are managing by boarding the windows of their businesses. Activists, hoping to influence the outcome, are managing by marching for action in the streets. While others are ignoring the news, but managing by quietly praying for peace from their homes.
How do you manage to carry on while waiting for a life changing event? Do you mentally prepare by obsessively researching online articles? Do you pray? Do you live in avoidance and just stay busy at all costs?
No judgement here. Because what am I doing? I’m sitting at home, hanging out with my toddler, and struggling to wrap my mind around what is morally appropriate to write about today.
The only conclusion that I can come up with is the fact that there really is no wrong way to survive limbo. We just have to do it. To put it plainly, limbo sucks, and it’s a confusing place to exist.
So keep fighting, keep preparing, keep managing. Just keep living while waiting.
I see just now on CNN that a verdict has been reached, and will be read out in half an hour. Hoping for a peaceful outcome.
LikeLiked by 7 people
Same here Ashleyleia. Bracing and hoping… Thank you for your support!
LikeLiked by 1 person
I’m pleased not only with the verdict but with the swift judgment. We’ve been disappointed before in what seems like these open and shut cases.
LikeLiked by 5 people
Yes, too many times before. But this is a step in the right direction🌺
LikeLiked by 1 person
There’d be riots on the streets if they concluded otherwise what they stated. But still, it’s a step in the right direction. I can’t imagine the scenes over there right now, but we’re holding out hope for you!
– someone from the UK
LikeLiked by 7 people
Thank you UK🌺
The first of many steps, I hope.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I saw the verdict on the news last night within minutes of a policeman shooting a 15 year old child here in Ohio. Talk about feeling whiplash. Two steps forward, one step back. So where are we now? I’m so tired I cannot even know for sure.
LikeLiked by 7 people
Oh Ally, if that isn’t the sad truth, I don’t know what is. Like they keep saying, this was a step in the right direction, but we still have work to do. Take care today.
LikeLiked by 1 person
as they say, the waiting is often the hardest part. I was quite happy with the jury’s verdict…
LikeLiked by 6 people
Likewise Jim. Thank goodness it was a short wait with a favorable outcome. It was a peaceful night after all.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I was so happy that there was peace around the country last night…
LikeLiked by 3 people
Hope to see the things in all favourable to those who are awaiting. I pray God to live in the souls of justice to prove his glory onto the beloved people of him who believe. God Blesses. Our existence is the purpose of waiting keep living with the good hopes.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you for your words, Suma 🌺
LikeLike
My pleasure dear one, take care 🥰
LikeLiked by 1 person
I was happy with the verdict even if it’s a small win compared to everything that’s going on.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Oh boy, it WAS a relief! And yes, there is more work to be done!
LikeLiked by 1 person
A lot more but this was a good start!
LikeLiked by 1 person
I can’t really comment as if I’m there, since I’m on the opposite end of the world, but I thank you for your article as it gives me a sense of how this event is affecting everyone. And yes, what a great message on carrying on while waiting, because we still need to do our best regardless. Thanks for this post!
LikeLiked by 2 people
Thank you for reading, Stuart! I sincerely appreciate hearing that the intent of this article was received so far from where I’m sitting.
LikeLike
Thank you so much for sharing my piece. What an honor 🌺
LikeLike
So much of life lately feels like it’s a “hurry up and wait” scenario. It’s no wonder anxiety is so high in the world right now. Hugs to you and family.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Yes. It is unfortunate, and I agree.
Thank you! Hope you have a great week🌺
LikeLiked by 1 person
I’m in the UK but followed the trial and the verdict. This is an interesting post because the idea of “living whilst waiting” can definitely be transferred to a lot of different scenarios – especially COVID.
LikeLiked by 1 person
You are so right, Jenny🧡 An incredible amount of collective waiting over the past 14+ months.
LikeLike