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Hello there, treasured reader!
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Welcome to the August newsletter!
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Make sure you don't miss an email. Please add betsy@betsydeville.com to your Contacts, and mark this email as Important, it will keep it from floating off into cyberspace!
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I hope you had a great August! I took July off from writing while traveling, and I'm glad to be back with you.
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Last week taught me something about the power of showing up authentically. My spouse and I got dressed up for our local secular happy hour – only to discover we had the wrong day. Instead of heading home, we decided to explore our small downtown shops.
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As we stepped out, we noticed my spouse was wearing his American Atheist convention t-shirt. We paused, talking through the familiar tension: be authentic or stay safe? Like many, we don't lead with our atheism in casual conversation, but we don't hide it either when it's relevant.
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So we wandered the shops, wearing our values on our sleeves. And something beautiful happened. In one store, the clerk noticed the shirt, did a double take, then hesitantly asked if we knew about Triangle Freethought, our local secular group. We had a wonderful conversation. She hadn't been to events lately, so we filled her in on what was happening – including the very happy hour we'd gotten the date wrong for. She was thrilled to learn about something so close by.
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That moment reminded me: authenticity creates connection. Sometimes the most meaningful connections happen when we let our authentic selves show. This month, I invite you to be a little more open about who you are.
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You never know who's been hoping to find someone just like you.
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What resonated most with you from this piece? Hit reply and let me know—I read every response.
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And if you found this valuable, forward it to someone who might appreciate a thoughtful take on these issues. Building understanding happens one conversation at a time.
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We have it in our power to begin the world over again.
This Thomas Paine quote has been a daily motivation for me. Thomas Paine inspired the American people, shaped public opinion, and garnering support for a revolution with his pamphlet, Common Sense. Let this fuel you to action during these fraught times.
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$14.99
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Did you know the Pledge of Allegiance that was first adopted by Congress did not include, “under God”? It was only in response to years of tremendous lobbying by Christian groups, fear of communism, and Eisenhower’s deeply Christian upbringing that it was added at all. Even the author, an ordained Baptist minister, didn’t see the need. In 1892, Francis Bellamy wrote the first pledge: I pledge allegiance to my flag and the republic for which it stands, one nation, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all.
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In 1923 and 1924, the National Flag Conference changed “my flag,” to “the flag of the United States of America.” This was intended to add clarity and be more inclusive for immigrants. This was the pledge that was adopted by Congress in 1942. It was only in 1954, after a tremendous lobbying effort by religious organizations, that Congress caved to the pressure and added, “under God.” In today’s America, this addition excludes many Americans including Hindus, Buddhists and secular folks. Sometimes, the good old days really are better. The original pledge is a better representation of my patriotism. We shouldn’t need to publicly profess believe in a certain god to love our country. Fourth of July, Flag Day, Nine Eleven 9/11, Veteran’s Day, Memorial Day, every day. Show your patriotism!
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$30.00
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Finding solace after loss can be agonizing for nonbelievers, and the grief resources out there don't resonate with you as an atheist. You need real, practical help grounded in evidence, not empty fantasies.
Maybe you lost someone you love, or you’re struggling with a major life change. If platitudes and rhetoric ring hollow, this warm, evidence-based guide is for you.
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$15.00
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Do you know someone who would enjoy this newsletter? Sharing is caring!
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