Sometimes the only way I can adequately express myself, emphatically, is with a swear word.
I’ve heard someone recently say “the best strategy for life is to not give a damn”
I want to believe that. It certainly would be easier than caring. Caring hurts and is exhausting. Giving a damn means you’re exposed to a difference of opinion and potential conflict. Why would anyone want that? Because whatever you give a damn about is worth it.
It’s hard for me not to give a damn.
I give a damn about family.
I give a damn about ministry
I give a damn about The Church
I give a damn about hurting teenagers
I give a damn about youth workers
I give a damn about the world I live in.
I give a damn about equality.
I give a damn about community.
I give a damn about people.
And that’s why I keep clacking these keys, making videos and delivering a podcast twice a month.
It would be easier to not give a damn, to shut down social media and walk away and let everything explode in the background (cue the heavy metal music).
But that’s not me. At least I don’t want it to be, but it’s hard.
Give a damn enough to do something, say something, believe in something or create something otherwise, no one will give a damn you were ever here.
“The renewal of societies and organizations can go forward only if someone cares” – John Gardner