Dear Friends,
We are living in an unpredictable and unprecedented time that I don’t think any of us could have imagined. COVID-19 is spreading globally at an alarming rate. I find myself watching more news and reading more articles about this pandemic than I ever have in my life.
I am sad to see so many people lose their lives, to listen to the stories from hospitals that do not have the resources to accommodate all those that are sick, and to hear the voices of our healthcare workers who are not properly protected. I fear what this virus will continue to do, but I am most fearful of people who think “this won’t affect me.”
This truly is not about us as individuals anymore. This is about our families, our friends, our colleagues, our neighbors, our community, our nation, and our world. Now is the time more than ever before to put aside our differences. We are human above all else, regardless of our religion, race, gender, age or political stance. We are all in this together. We all have to modify our lives and lifestyles to help protect each other. I am hopeful we can overcome this if we are united.
Sincerely,
Dr. Nada Hindiyeh
Millions Ambassador
Belonging in America Video Series
“Changing Hearts”
Join us in watching and sharing the second video in our series, Belonging in America. For the past two years, we have been working with award-winning filmmaker Michael Collins to produce these pieces highlighting what it means to belong in the United States today. We hope you will take a few minutes of your day to listen to Rabiah Ahmed share her vision for a hopeful future for our country. Rabiah’s passion for working with Muslim American nonprofits pushes this vision forward. Please watch, like, and share!
Time to Pause
Words That Remind Us Of Our Strength
My dear,
In the midst of hate, I found there was, within me, an invincible love.
In the midst of tears, I found there was, within me, an invincible smile.
In the midst of chaos, I found there was within me, an invincible calm.
In the depth of winter, I finally learned that within me, there lay, an invincible summer. And that makes me happy.
For it says that no matter how hard the world pushes against me, within me, there’s something stronger –
something better, pushing right back.
~ Albert Camus
Do you want to meet Michael McRay?
Attend Our Virtual Book Launch on April 21st
Last month, our team at Millions met with Michael McRay to discuss hosting an upcoming event to launch his latest book, I Am Not Your Enemy. We brainstormed venues, local musicians, food vendors, and more. We were so excited to promote Michael’s new book and bring our Tennessee community together in conversation. However, things changed, and now we have an opportunity to expand this book launch to all of our supporters across the United States. We will be holding an online book launch on April 21st. Michael and Samar Ali will engage in a fireside chat discussion as Michael explains why his book is so applicable to us today. Join us as we virtually gather together by clicking the photo above to sign up or emailing mary@millionsofconversations.com.
On Our List
Michael McRay’s I Am Not Your Enemy: Stories to Transform a Divided World
Our friend Michael McRay is preparing to release his latest book, I Am Not Your Enemy, this month. Michael traveled the world to find stories of conflict, justice, and reconciliation amongst the chaos of division. He interviewed activists, peacebuilders, and former combatants in the Holy Land, Northern Ireland, and South Africa to offer true, sacred stories of reconciliation and justice. Michael tells these stories to challenge us to learn and apply these lessons to our own divided states. His work asks the questions: Must violence be met with violence? Is my belonging complete only when I take away yours? Will more guns, more walls, and more weapons keep us safe? Join us in pre-ordering Michael’s book and embarking on our own journeys of personal reflection.
A Story for the Ages
“They Survived the Spanish Flu, the Depression and the Holocaust”
It seems that “unprecedented” has become the word of this historical moment. As we unite and venture forward into the unknown, let us take lessons from history. Eva Kollisch and Naomi Replansky know a thing or two about the “unprecedented.” This inspiring story gives us hope during an uncertain time. Please click on the photo to read the article in The New York Times.
We Are Here for You
We understand that many of us are currently dealing with grief, fear, and anxiety. Everyday, we are inundated with new information, some true, some not true, some conflicting or misleading. In this age of uncertainty and misinformation, remember that we at Millions are here for you. Please feel free to email us and reach out with any questions or concerns you might have, including if you are seeking clarity around content that you suspect might be misinformation. We stand ready to help clear up confusing messages, particularly as we remain dedicated now more than ever to building bridges that transcend divides.
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