We’re seeing levels of division that haven’t been seen in decades, and there’s only one way it’s going to get better:
We have to take individual responsibility.
It’s easy to cast blame, to assume that others are the problem, not ourselves.
But I’d encourage you to take a moment to reflect:
How do I think about those who see the world differently than I do?
Do I make assumptions?
Do I refuse to see any good in them?
Do I ignore them because, in my arrogance, I assume I’m right?
How do I speak about them?
Do I use dehumanizing language?
Do I call them names?
Do I speak in a tone of disgust?
Do I view members of the opposing political party as enemies or fellow citizens?
Do I truly believe the rhetoric being fed to me by my own party regarding the other one(s), or am I willing to step back and say, ‘Maybe I’m wrong’?
Do I assume evil intent just because I disagree with someone’s perspective or lifestyle?
Am I willing to recognize the flaws in my beliefs?
Am I justifying my words or actions so that I can be mean?
Am I treating others (both online and in person) the way I want to be treated?
Am I genuinely willing to listen to understand those who believe differently from me? Am I open to hearing what led them to their beliefs and values, or do I immediately shut them down because I assume I am right?
What if I’m the one who is wrong?
How would that change things?
Over the past decade, as I’ve worked on myself and on becoming a more effective advocate, I’ve come to realize that the foundation is humility.
Humility is a strength, and it requires daily refinement and effort.
What if I’m in the wrong about this, not them?
What do I need to learn to better understand what is happening?
Am I genuinely listening to others’ perspectives to understand, not just to argue?
If we cannot reach a point where we see everyone as our neighbor, as a human being, and as a fellow citizen with largely the same goals for our country, things will never get better.
It starts with us.
Each of us.
In every comment we leave on social media and every reaction we give.
Every post we share without fact-checking or considering the impact.
Every letter we type.
Every piece of news we consume, especially when it’s known to be misleading and inflammatory.
Every thought we have when someone disagrees with us.
It’s up to each of us to choose to approach life with curiosity, not arrogance. Not certainty.
Humility and curiosity will set us free and enable us to love.To never treat someone as less than human, whether with our words or our thoughts.
It is not easy, but it’s perhaps the most worthwhile pursuit of our lives.
Humility changes us as people, as spouses, as parents, and as citizens.
The future of our country is truly up to us. And it starts NOW.
“‘You must love the Lord your God with all your heart, all your soul, and all your mind.’ This is the first and greatest commandment. A second is equally important: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ The entire law and all the demands of the prophets are based on these two commandments.”
Even So, Joy 