July 14, 2025
Recently, a follower of this blog sent me an essay written by Phyllis Cole-Dai (The Raft on Substack) who wrote:
“According to The New York Times, the current US administration has now restricted or outright banned the use of hundreds of words and phrases in government documents ranging from agency memos to school curricula, grant proposals, and public-facing websites. What follows is a small sampling of what I reckon as the government’s ‘red list’ of forbidden words—a list that the Times describes as ‘likely incomplete.‘ That ridiculous, telling, and embarrassing list is pictured above.
Floridian Nancy Shebeneck, who sent the essay, offers her poem created from this list as her form of resistance. She had highlighted it with different colors to emphasize the words from the “forbidden list” and the title, but unfortunately, Word Press won’t copy those.
I Must be Colorblind
Historically, the
black,
Hispanic minority, and
LBTBQ communities have been
stereotyped. Include also
women,
Native Americans, those with
disabilities, and
immigrants.
And yet, also,
historically,
Love came into the world to show that ALL
belong, that
diversity brings growth and unity, that
inclusiveness and hospitality are the order of the day.
Grace is accessible for ALL.
Hope waits patiently and
Peace is possible.
Choose love, hope, grace and peace.
It is the highest form of
activism and
advocacy.
Choose to stand together because we are one.
Practice the better because
it is the best criticism of the bad.
(Richard Rohr)
Sing the truth.
(Phyllis Cole-Dai)
Write your story.
Dance with joy.
Political
pollution and
oppression DO NOT
belong here!
(c) Nancy Shebeneck
As a prompt, Nancy and I invite you to write your own poem or song or create a painting or anything else using, or influenced by, this list of words. Turn them into art and make them living words!
Resisting with you,
Rosemary
Nancy Shebeneck retired from the medical field in 2019 and finds delight in little adventures during the day, such as biking, kayaking, and walking/hiking with her husband. Living in St. Petersburg, FL offers opportunity for these year round. She often “receives” (rather than “takes”) photos of the critters that she meets and the gorgeous Florida flora that color her way.
Reading (things of the Spirit/wisdom) or writing (mostly haiku and other poetry) or streaming a good story keeps her occupied when she’s not out and about. Nancy is am a lifelong learner, trying to stay curious and hoping to always see with eyes of wonder.
Spirit Reflections 