I had just turned on NPR while waiting for a traffic light to change. I heard a voice say "What we need right now is tenderness."

It was former poet laureate and the first Latina to hold this office Ada Limon.

Ada who strongly identifies with her Mexican roots, went on to say

"And if I can fight in some way ... to show the softness, to show the importance of love, as silly as that may sound, when everything feels violent and horrific, to point out the beautiful thing when everything feels, you know, like, there's no hope. I guess I want to keep doing that. And I want to make sure I do it not just for others but for my own soul..."

I smiled a little and kept driving.

No Kings Rally

But the Universe clearly wanted to reinforce this message.

A couple of days later I went to the No Kings march and rally in my hometown.

I went alone. But I did not stay alone for long.

First there was TJ, a former student who I'd taught in his freshman year. Now a math teacher (for the last twelve years), TJ and I exchanged big hugs and then he introduced me to his wife and children.

Then I ran into my former doctor who helped to deliver my daughter twenty-four years ago. As we marched, we swapped memories about the birth--which she still remembered!

Once I got to the rally, it was a hugs and smiles with old neighbors; my former yoga teacher; and sweet friends who once had me over for Christmas lunch when my kids were with their dad for the holidays.

As Ada said, we were taking a stand and showing up with love and softness.

Finally, the third reminder happened when I opened the email from the "wrong" Miranda.

This Miranda, someone I've never met, was replying to a 2024 newsletter. She wrote:

"When I was sitting in Quaker meeting just the other day, someone's cell phone rang accidentally and I thought "oh hey, what is god calling me to do right now?"

So I imagined answering the phone and god said, hey Miranda I've got something I need you to do.

So I said, ok what's up.

And god answered, I need you to be tender.

And I said, "Okay, I can do that."

Turns out she was the "right" Miranda.

And, she graciously gave me permission to reprint her conversation with god.

So, Let's be tender out there!