I Had a Moment

A Mother’s Firsthand Experience of Protesting With Hands Off

by Jess Gilman

Before the protest, I had a moment. A moment where, as I was getting ready, I felt overwhelmed with fear—for our country, for my family, for my friends. I ugly cried before pulling myself together, enlisting my son Emerson’s help to make a sign, and heading out to try to make a difference.

Comfort and Joy

I’m thinking about this because I know, this year, a lot of people are in at least psychological, if not physical and/or economic distress. Many are depressed and fearful about the future of the world, our nation, and their families. And I think it’s fitting that I write this on Christmas Day because it is my faith, honestly, that allows me to feel calm in times of global and national upset.