Summary of "The Woman Who Spoke Truth To Trump: Bishop Budde" – We Can Do Hard Things Podcast
Release Date: May 8, 2025
In this compelling episode of We Can Do Hard Things, hosts Glennon Doyle, Abby Wambach, and Amanda Doyle engage in a profound conversation with Bishop Marion Edgar Buddy, the first woman elected as a bishop, who courageously addressed President Trump during his second inauguration sermon. The discussion delves deep into themes of bravery, empathy, unity, and the ongoing struggle for compassion in a polarized society.
1. Bishop Budde’s Bold Stand for Unity and Mercy
The episode centers around Bishop Marion Edgar Buddy's daring sermon delivered at the Washington National Cathedral on January 21, the day after President Trump's second inauguration. Amidst a congregation that included Trump, Vice President Pence, and their families, Bishop Budde took a bold step to advocate for a more inclusive and compassionate vision of unity.
Notable Quote:
"[03:35] Bishop Marion Edgar Buddy: Let me make one final plea, Mr. President. Millions have put their trust in you... I ask you to have mercy upon the people in our country who are scared now."
In her 15-minute sermon, Bishop Budde emphasized that true unity is not about agreement or conformity but about serving the common good. She addressed vulnerable groups directly, including LGBTQ+ children, immigrants, and everyday workers, urging President Trump to show mercy and compassion.
2. The Essence of Bravery: Embracing the Unknown
The hosts and Bishop Budde explore the nature of bravery, particularly in moments of high tension and uncertainty. They discuss how true courage often involves stepping into the unknown without a guaranteed outcome, much like jumping off a diving board into uncharted waters.
Notable Quote:
"[14:26] Bishop Marion Edgar Buddy: ...there are long seasons of preparation when you don't think anything especially dramatic is happening at all. Yet looking back in retrospect, you realize you were being prepared for this moment."
Bishop Budde shares her perspective on bravery as a lifelong learning process, where each courageous act builds resilience and paves the way for future acts of courage. She emphasizes the importance of staying true to one's identity and focusing on personal leadership responsibilities.
3. Empathy Under Siege: The Battle Against Dehumanization
A significant portion of the conversation addresses the contemporary vilification of empathy. Bishop Budde explains how empathy is being labeled as a "sin" by certain factions, particularly those who benefit from dehumanizing others to maintain power structures.
Notable Quote:
"[38:26] Bishop Marion Edgar Buddy: ...the idea that empathy will get in our way because we'll start seeing the other people that we are treating right now as human beings."
The discussion highlights how empathy fosters human-to-human connections, which are essential for societal survival and cohesion. By attacking empathy, these forces aim to erode the very foundations of compassion and mutual respect that hold communities together.
4. Grieving as Preparation: Transforming Sadness into Strength
The hosts and Bishop Budde delve into the role of grief and sadness in building inner strength and resilience. They discuss how experiencing and processing deep emotions is a critical part of preparing for meaningful action and sustaining long-term efforts toward justice and equality.
Notable Quote:
"[19:37] Amanda Doyle: ... the more sensitive people are, the more brokenhearted they are in the face of this. And then they think that's weakness."
Bishop Budde articulates that acknowledging and embracing sadness can lead to profound personal growth and a stronger commitment to positive change, viewing these emotions as integral to the human experience and essential for effective leadership.
5. Building Communities of Resilience and Compassion
The conversation underscores the importance of fostering communities that prioritize resilience, compassion, and mutual support. Bishop Budde emphasizes the need for collective action and the nurturing of environments where individuals feel empowered to act bravely without bearing the burden of despair alone.
Notable Quote:
"[33:35] Bishop Marion Edgar Buddy: ... hate is too big a burden to bear. I'm going to choose love."
By choosing love and dignity over contempt and hatred, communities can create spaces where empathy thrives and individuals are encouraged to support one another in the face of adversity.
6. The Ripple Effect of Courageous Acts
Bishop Budde and the hosts reflect on how individual acts of bravery contribute to broader social movements. They highlight historical examples where persistent, small acts of courage by individuals collectively led to significant societal transformations.
Notable Quote:
"[48:56] Unnamed Reverend: ... it's part of the human story, too. So to your point, we don't know, like, it may feel like we failed, but whatever we did might have had an impact on someone who then went on."
This segment emphasizes that even when immediate outcomes seem insignificant, the cumulative effect of countless brave actions can shape the future in meaningful ways.
7. Embracing Hope and Collective Action
The episode concludes on a hopeful note, encouraging listeners to embrace empathy, engage in courageous actions, and build supportive communities. Bishop Budde's insights reinforce the idea that collective effort and unwavering compassion are crucial in overcoming societal challenges.
Notable Quote:
"[44:17] Unnamed Reverend: ... we're in all of this together or that we actually need the things that we're afraid of."
By maintaining openness and fostering connections, individuals can contribute to a more compassionate and unified society, effectively countering forces that seek to divide and dehumanize.
Key Takeaways
- True Unity: Defined by serving the common good rather than conformity or agreement.
- Nature of Bravery: Involves stepping into the unknown and embracing failure as part of growth.
- Empathy as Strength: Essential for fostering human connections and resisting dehumanization.
- Role of Grief: Processing sadness is crucial for building resilience and sustaining action.
- Community Resilience: Building supportive and compassionate communities enhances collective strength.
- Cumulative Impact: Individual acts of courage contribute to broader social change.
- Hope and Collective Action: Embracing empathy and unity is vital for overcoming societal challenges.
This episode serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of empathy, bravery, and collective action in navigating and transforming a world filled with hard things. Bishop Budde's courageous stand exemplifies the transformative power of speaking truth to power and advocating for a more inclusive and compassionate society.