Oh, Blessed Unity

I love that phrase (thank you, Old 97’s). Gives me visions of moments when people come together instead of break apart. That is at least what should happen this time of year: families and friends should unite and put aside differences for a while. For some of us in the Salvation South community, that will happen; for others, it will not.

That, as my daddy used to say, is just the way the mop flops. But I have learned a few practices that help me live in the spirit of unity.

First, I stay grateful. Second, I’ve learned to decompress. If I don’t take time to let my frayed (some would say fried) neurons repair themselves, I ain’t no good to nobody. Finally, I try to remember to listen to (or read) other people’s stories. I’m not talking about the news: I’m talking about stories outside the daily conflicts and conflagrations—shorter pieces or books that remind me, even within all that drama, hope remains.

On that first point, the Salvation South team this weekend will give thanks for you, our readers. Our second birthday membership drive just ended, and we happily welcome those of you who joined our Family Circle, pledging your financial support to this refuge for Southern storytellers. As always, we will be grateful for our families— the ones with whom we share DNA and the ones we’ve chosen, even the occasional crank among them. As for decompression, I hope to find it during long walks and in the kitchen. Cooking seems not to frazzle me; I find it meditative. 

In the spirit of sharing stories, here are a few seasonal pieces we’ve published over the two-plus years of Salvation South’s life. 

Whether you have just wrapped up the celebration of Hanukkah...or celebrating Yule...or you're gathering around a Christmas tree...or preparing to kick off Kwanzaa on the 26th, be happy. Choose unity over division and forgiveness over resentment.