Everyone seems to have heard the two (2) narratives that are playing out on every social media platform.
1 – One of the narratives is the reality we are currently living in. We believe in our party. We believe in our preferred news source(s). We believe in our friends and family who share our beliefs, values, and opinions.
2- The other narrative is that the people we disagree with are crazy. They are misinformed, disinformed, disillusioned, and do not want to hear the truth.
Now read those two (2) narratives again from the perspective of the people you think are crazy.
Do you see how easily you are both in agreement with the two narratives… just from opposite perspectives?
If you think this is good, right, true, etc., then I encourage you to think again. This is what the powers that be want. They want us divided. They want us fighting against ourselves. This is the equivalent of divide and conquer. While we are fighting amongst ourselves, they are allowed to plan, maneuver, and operate with impunity.
So, I’d like to offer a third narrative.
3 – Keep the faith. Trust in your God. And pray. Pray for eyes to see and ears to hear. But know that when we pray, it starts first with actually talking to Him. Then listening to Him. Then following Him. Praying… if it’s just an upload of your thoughts and feelings without listening and following is empty and fruitless. Fill your cup with truth, love, and hope. It’s impossible to offer to others what you do not already have yourself.
So, as much as you want to pick a narrative (i.e. I get it, it’s always more fun to root for your team and root against the others – e.g. I’m a Packers fan with friends who like the Bears – Geesh). Do your best to hold onto your character, your values, and your beliefs. Check your opinions, feelings, and emotions at the door. Recognize that sometimes it’s impossible to tell the difference between them. But try to refrain from spewing venom and hate anyway. Here’s why. These are serious times we are living in and we need serious people to help everyone get through it with the least amount of trauma. Think about our children… then think about other people’s children.
Question: Is that nasty comment or post you just threw up on FB really helping your readers? And when you fill up other people’s cups with hatred, any chance that overflows onto others? You know how upsetting all of this is when people disagree with you and how frustrating that is. So, don’t do it to others. Just leave it OR at least be civil in your discourse. Challenging, namecalling, making fun of, bullying, etc. is unacceptable. We all know this. I believe we are all better than this.
So I ask you to keep your head while others are losing theirs. Look around for others who are scared, anxious, apathetic, confused, upset, frustrated, angry, etc. and find a way to serve them, to comfort them, and to remind them that although none of us can do anything to change what’s happening in our country by ourselves… we can be open to whatever God has in store. He is NOT surprised by any of this. Let’s be His hands and feet and find ways to be a light to those who are lost in the dark.
And if any of you find yourself in that dark lonely place… don’t hesitate to reach out. I’m always looking to connect with others.
Peace and grace, everyone.