Await further instructions.

Are we living in a direct-to-video movie? This morning it feels like the nation is trapped in the 2018 film by Johnny Kevorkian called Await Further Instructions. In the film a Christmas reunion takes a very disturbing turn when the family awake to find themselves trapped inside their home. Since wifi is down, the only source of information from the outside world is the television, which prompts the family members to do exactly as it says. Its first message is “await further instructions.” Thing go downhill quickly from there.

Think about it. Each morning we wake up dreading the morning news, wondering what disaster emerged over the night. As we scan the headlines, we’re mortified by the chaos, confusion and overall inability of any leader to articulate a sane plan out of this mess.

We‘re being told to wear a mask outdoors and be prudent with physical distancing. Await further instructions.

We have no idea if our local hospital can handle a surge. Await further instructions.

School is on hold indefinitely. Await further instructions.

People are being pulled off protests into unmarked vans by our federal government. Await further instructions.

Food pantry lines grow. Await further instructions.

Behavioral health care is unreachable to those that need it most. Await further instructions.

Unemployment benefits may end and families will slide into dire circumstances. Await further instructions.

Most city and county governments have no idea the degree to which families struggle to access the basic services for survival. Await further instructions.

There’s a long list of local problems we can be mobilizing around today. Your choice is simple. Start questioning, connecting and taking action.

Or sit passively. Await further instructions.

*The future is what we make it. Join the evolution.

Please excuse any typos as I construct an article at 3am on only one cup of Joe. These stories are mine and mine alone. I do not represent any organization here. If one of my illustrations looks like a real human, super-powered pet or three-headed hydra, that’s total coincidence. Words and images ©Dominic Cappello but share with everyone you know. Questions? The Plan Forward awaits you here: www.tenvitalservices.org