As January Ends

January 30, 2026

Photo by StockSnap on Pixabay

As January began and the holiday wrappings and decor were being put away, trouble was brewing. Just when it felt like maybe we could shelter ourselves for a few weeks from all the drama on the outside, it showed up on our doorstep. There was no way to not see what was happening in Minneapolis and not feel the immense pain and anger. Holiday reverie was over. A different reality was settling in - oppression and aggression by by our government - federal agents killing American citizens for peacefully observing their unlawful activities, for monitoring the masked, armed ICE agents, for protecting their neighbors. This, in America.

The week before, I read this message in the Daily Word:

Growing my awareness of my oneness with God anchors me. It is the source of my peace, and the deeper my awareness, the more peace I will have to share. When I recognize the divine presence in myself, I can more easily see it in other people, and the world around me feels enveloped in deep, abiding peace.

I copied it into my journal so I could somehow hold onto it. Then Renee Good was shot and killed, and then Alex Pretti. No accountability, no integrity, just lies and hateful, dangerous rhetoric from the administration. Where in this world was peace?

The people of Minneapolis (and all across America) rose up tall and strong, relentless and resilient. They remained nonviolent, despite the immense anger and grief. They kept showing up in the streets, for their neighbors, for their community, for their country. They showed the rest of us what community looks like, what courage looks like, and why democracy is worth fighting (and dying) for. Who could have imagined we’d be having this fight again in 2026? Have we learned nothing?

I’ve been reading two books this month: Democracy Awakening by Heather Cox Richardson, and The Book of Hope by Jane Goodall and Douglas Abrams. My childhood friend, Lisa, and I are reading the latter together and having phone conversations after every two chapters. Her son, daughter-in-law, and two sweet grandbabies live in Minneapolis and they are on the front lines. The situation is closer to her than to me, but I think most of us are feeling with and for those brave and hearty souls. Minneapolis is Ground Zero in the fight for our democracy, and we all need to pay attention and realize that it could be us next.

If only that was the only problem we were facing and battling right now, it would be enough. Unfortunately, there is so much more happening simultaneously that it is exhausting to even try to keep up. How do we find and maintain peace, joy, and balance? How do we stay engaged without drowning in a sea of news, noise, and nonsense?

I recently read that JOY is a form of resistance. This feels like a permission slip. I have always considered joy to be a superpower, so why do I need permission to allow it, to wield it in times of darkness? Maybe I feel a tinge of guilt for feeling joyful in times like these when grief, frustration, and anger are swirling within and all around me. Then I remember how my Dad lived from joy and left us that legacy. It was uplifting and powerful, and I have that in me.

As January ends, more and more Americans, including some of our leaders, are realizing what is true, what matters, and why we need to trust what we see and feel and know. As January ends, more people are rejecting the constant lies, cruelty, and violence. This is a sign of hope. My prayer is that we get to the other side of this chapter with greater compassion, courage, understanding, connectedness, and equality. The citizens of Minneapolis are giving us a glimpse of that possibility.

What can each of us do? We can pay attention, listen, and learn. We can call our representatives, write letters, and give support to those who need us. We can and must cultivate joy, peace, and hope every day. It helps to talk to a friend or family member who can lighten the load. Staying connected is super important right now. We are carrying more on our hearts and shoulders than we realize.

Finally, give yourself space and grace. Be still and know that true power resides in you, in me, in all of us. Nothing outside can crush that, and it manifests as joy, peace, hope, and courage.

Rise & Rock On,

ej

Elisa J. Juarez