First published in A Little Beacon Blog’s Instagram and Facebook, below are two responses that ALBB gave to readers who were insisting that we not publish anything on ICE from different states.

Dear Readers,

Thank you so much for your concern for me Katie during this hail storm of Comments, mainly at FB. One reader asked if an Admin could block them. I want to let you know a few things:

🎵Those of us in Instagram are reading this while listening to a clip of “There’s No Home For You Here” by the White Stripes. I don’t think it carries over into FB. To keep me calm during this deluge of comments, I’ve been cycling through OG Bonnie Raitt from her blues days, 1970s.

1. I’ve blocked in the past, but readers asked to see who their neighbors are. For their own safety, comfort, and where they want to spend their dollar.

2. Us vs Them. Tricky here, because some of the most toxic statements are from readers who will appreciate certain articles. And that’s just fine. That’s what ALBB is here for. To get everyone the information.

3. Troll Groupies. Despite unhappy people saying they are leaving, they tend to not. Some even create fake accounts for ALBB after they are blocked! Or maybe after their bosses or business partners advise them to not engage the way they do. I will be designing a special skull cap and patch for them to buy. For the rest of us, I am bringing back an ALBB skull cap and trucker hat we can all buy.

3. Debilitating. Usually these Comment storms leave me paralyzed. At first, it took 2-3 weeks to recover, and I leave with scars. Sometimes actual eczema scars. Now I view them as battle armor chinks. Pressure makes the 💎 as the say.

4. Profit. One white male commented “Don’t cry poverty in 6 months!” Of course that is the biggest fear. But I learned that if I don’t stand for anything, why am I here. What is my purpose. What are my gifts. To say that to someone causes them to break. That is the intent. But I don’t break. My clients are Bad A$$es that I have the honor of holding partnership with. My donors - the smallest $5 or $1 - I cherish.

5. Prayer. I pray 3-5 times per day. I start with: “I seek refuge with Allāh from Satan the accursed, from his suffocation, his arrogance and his poetry.” My choice is to fight back or resist and celebrate with poetry.

These things bring me comfort. Those who want to be seen - you are indeed seen.

God Bless.