How We Come Together When We Fall Apart

We live in a world where chaos and crisis seem to be constant companions. From natural disasters to political unrest, it often feels like we are constantly on the brink of falling apart. However, amidst the chaos, there is a glimmer of hope - the way we come together as a society when faced with adversity.

When disaster strikes, whether it be a hurricane, earthquake, or pandemic, the effects are often devastating. Lives are lost, homes destroyed, and communities shattered. It is in these moments that we see the true strength of humanity. We witness acts of bravery, kindness, and selflessness that restore our faith in humanity.

One example of this can be seen in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina. The destruction caused by the hurricane was unprecedented, leaving thousands of people stranded and in need of help. In response, individuals, organizations, and even governments rallied together to provide aid, support, and resources to those affected. The acts of kindness and solidarity displayed during this time showed that even in the face of tragedy, we can come together and rebuild.

The Purpose of Power: How We Come Together When We Fall Apart

by Alicia Garza (Kindle Edition)

4.8 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	4185 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
X-Ray	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	328 pages

FREE

Another example is the COVID-19 pandemic. The world was suddenly thrown into a global health crisis, with countries implementing lockdowns and people being forced to isolate themselves. While it initially seemed like we were more divided than ever, with hoarding and panic buying becoming widespread, the pandemic also brought out the best in people. Communities organized food drives, individuals sewed masks for healthcare workers, and companies pivoted their production to manufacture essential supplies. Despite the physical distance, we found ways to come together and support one another.

It is not just during large-scale crises that we see this phenomenon. In our daily lives, we often encounter personal hardships and setbacks. From breakups to job losses, these moments can leave us feeling broken and alone. However, it is in these moments that we often find solace and support from our friends, families, and communities. The power of human connection and empathy helps us heal and rebuild our lives.

But why is it that we come together when we fall apart? There are several reasons for this. Firstly, adversity has a way of stripping away the superficial and revealing our common humanity. In the face of crisis, our differences seem petty, and what matters most is our shared experience and the need to help one another.

Secondly, coming together in times of adversity gives us a sense of purpose and meaning. It allows us to rise above our own personal struggles and contribute to something greater than ourselves. This sense of purpose helps us find strength and resilience in the face of adversity.

Furthermore, coming together to support one another fosters a sense of belonging and community. During times of crisis, we realize that we are not alone in our suffering. There is comfort in knowing that others are going through similar hardships and that we can lean on each other for support.

So, how do we come together when we fall apart? Firstly, it requires empathy and compassion. We must be willing to put ourselves in others' shoes and understand their pain and struggles. This empathy serves as a catalyst for action and drives us to reach out and offer assistance.

Secondly, it requires active engagement. We cannot simply wait for others to take the lead. Instead, we must actively seek out opportunities to help and support those in need. Whether it is volunteering our time, donating resources, or simply lending a listening ear, every small act of kindness can make a difference.

Lastly, it requires a shift in our mindset. Instead of viewing adversity as a source of division and despair, we should embrace it as an opportunity for growth and unity. By reframing our perspective, we can find strength and resilience in the face of adversity, and inspire others to do the same.

In , the way we come together when we fall apart is a testament to the strength of the human spirit. Whether in times of large-scale crises or personal setbacks, we have the power to rise above our differences and support one another. Through empathy, active engagement, and a shift in mindset, we can create a world where unity triumphs over division, and hope prevails even in the darkest moments.

The Purpose of Power: How We Come Together When We Fall Apart

by Alicia Garza (Kindle Edition)

4.8 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	4185 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
X-Ray	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	328 pages

FREE

An essential guide to building transformative movements to address the challenges of our time, from one of the country’s leading organizers and a co-creator of Black Lives Matter
 
“Excellent and provocative . . . a gateway [to] urgent debates.”—Keeanga-Yamahtta Taylor, The New Yorker

NAMED ONE OF THE BEST BOOK OF THE YEAR BY Time • Marie Claire • Kirkus Reviews

In 2013, Alicia Garza wrote what she called “a love letter to Black people” on Facebook, in the aftermath of the acquittal of the man who murdered seventeen-year-old Trayvon Martin. Garza wrote: 

Black people. I love you. I love us. Our lives matter.
 
With the speed and networking capacities of social media, #BlackLivesMatter became the hashtag heard ’round the world. But Garza knew even then that hashtags don’t start movements—people do. 
 
Long before #BlackLivesMatter became a rallying cry for this generation, Garza had spent the better part of two decades learning and unlearning some hard lessons about organizing. The lessons she offers are different from the “rules for radicals” that animated earlier generations of activists, and diverge from the charismatic, patriarchal model of the American civil rights movement. She reflects instead on how making room amongst the woke for those who are still awakening can inspire and activate more people to fight for the world we all deserve. 
 
This is the story of one woman’s lessons through years of bringing people together to create change. Most of all, it is a new paradigm for change for a new generation of changemakers, from the mind and heart behind one of the most important movements of our time.