By Bishop Durrell Watkins, D.Min.

We are living in a time of multiple conflicts, ubiquitous angst, and frequent hostility. We hear about or experience conflicts, fears, and grief every day. It can be exhausting.

And a lot of the acrimony is directed at the LGBTQ+ community. Our community has battled, hid from, accommodated, challenged, compromised with, and unsettled both state and religion from time immemorial. But recently, attacks on our community have escalated. What can we do?

Of course, every citizen ought to vote in every election. If we are part of the process, the process will likely work better. If we let others decide the future for us, then we have surrendered our power to those who may not have our best interests at heart.

Additionally, we can support LGBTQ+ causes, businesses that support our community, open and affirming worship communities (if we appreciate shared worship), and more intimately, we can support and encourage one another.

Another thing we can do is nurture our spiritual lives by reading encouraging literature, connecting with others intentionally, serving the community, meditating, and spending time daily being grateful for what is good or possible in life.

The days ahead are likely to remain challenging for a while. To face the challenges, we need to summon our inner strength, the power of hope, and the healing energy of love. Spiritual practices can help us do that.

Bishop Durrell Watkins, D.Min., is the Senior Minister of Sunshine Cathedral in Fort Lauderdale. SunshineCathedral.org