The Struggle

I have really struggled since the Presidential Election in my country. Not so much with the election outcome — I am old enough to have seen many elections come and go — won some lost some, but never lost sight of the greatness and genius of America and her people.

But this election has brought out the vileness — the hate — the venom of people. Maybe it’s always been there — simmering under the surface — but now it’s on full display for the world to see.

We’ve disagreed before as a nation — but not like this. Families have divided — Long time friends have been discarded if who voted for whom. It seems we have lost the ability to simply disagree without demonizing each other.

It doesn’t have to be this way. I want to believe so badly we as a people are better than this.

I recently read about being a “breach-mender.”

We long for great-souled people who can hold the chaos together within themselves — and give us the courage to do the same. Richard Rohr

I want to be that … somehow I need to be that. I have friends, family members whom I love and deeply respect, whose lives seemingly have come unhinged over this election. Words of hate, despair, fear and arrogance flow from both sides. I want so badly to be a voice of reason in the midst of so much unreasonable behavior.

Here is what I vow to do:

• Strive to look for the best in others.

• Try to talk with people rather than simply shout. about them.

• Listen — Listen — Listen. It demonstrates I respect them even if we disagree.

• Desperately strive to find common ground.

• Understand that I don’t know it all. Humility builds bridges. Arrogance burns them.

• Treat all with dignity and respect

• Pray for the brokenness in our nation, our homes, our hearts to be healed.

I am not so filled with myself that I think I can change America — all I can do is change myself.

More than ever out nation needs men and women of great courage to mend the breaches in our communities … in our nation … in our friendships.

Will you help?