Comments on: “who is your reconciliation work really for?”

By: Alastair H

Alastair H — Mon, 28 Mar 2022 18:26:40 +0000

This is really helpful thanks Hannah. What you say about reconciliation work not remaining abstract and theoretical is so important. I’ve been asked similar questions in my work and travels. It serves as a steady reminder to examine my intentions for wanting to “help” or engage in reconciliation work.

By: Jan McIntyre, NA-22

Jan McIntyre, NA-22 — Mon, 28 Mar 2022 01:36:44 +0000

Hi Hannah. Thank you for this writing. I have come back to it several times and still don’t know if I can articulate my thoughts well enough to respond. But here I am. I have wondered similar questions about how we use our privilege. Jesus was exemplary in the way he stood with the oppressed – but how do we do it in a way that empowers them to walk their journey, in their way? Your post has prompted me to think about connecting Cynthia Bourgeault’s writings about centering prayer and the importance of doing our own inner work in regards to our ego and our awareness of our true motivations, with questions such as the one this wise young man posed. Thank you.

By: Andrea Hug, NA-22

Andrea Hug, NA-22 — Wed, 23 Mar 2022 23:18:51 +0000

Oh Hannah! how true, how true.

It’s the harmed individual who determines how to proceed. We accompany. We listen. We follow and support. You have learned (and shared with us) how powerful it is to be curious and to inquire rather than to come in with answers.

I love your reflective nature about your encounter with this man. With humility and compassion you enfold the lesson that too often is over looked, especially from those of us who are living in a place of privilege. As you say, they do not (and should not) settle for a reconciliation fabricated by the powerful and the privileged.”
Thank you.