From the Red Planet

In a world determined to teach us in extremes, the human condition is under a long, long lens. As if we stack ourselves upon each other, shoulders on feet, feet on shoulders until we reach Mars in search of a better view. There we assemble our microscope looking down on our aged Earth, with its dips and dents, it’s shifting oceans and blowing sands. It’s beautiful, perfect and proud. But we don’t see. We are here to judge, not wonder. 

Instead we have set up shop on the Red Planet with one thing in mind. To examine our people, our global citizens, neighbors and strangers, their lives and intentions. We judge the scars of humanity in one fell swoop, blaming each, faulting all. 

If we don’t begin to take a sharp look at our softer edges, we’ll continue to fracture. Thousands of pieces will become millions, shards evolving into ground glass instead of a colorful mosaic of a world we can still see if we squint really hard. 

As a charity, we are the lucky ones. We climb up the big human chain to an unknown destination and meet outreached hands with broad smiles that reach the eyes. Exhausted from our travels, words fuel our tired minds. Sacrifice of others define our climb, no quid pro quo here. It is a wonder to be a part of.

Our little store is the beneficiary of a kind and good community - surely a microcosm of our larger planet. We are a place to escape and to belong and to leave the day’s troubles at the door. We are a place of inclusion and diversity and equity, and that will never change, God willing. Our organization embraces the beauty of our world, bearing witness to the greatness of many - their actions big and heroic and often quiet. An amazing thing to witness.