There have been a lot of strong emotions throughout the country since November 8th. I have heard countless stories of Thanksgiving having been impacted because of these emotions and beliefs. I spent the holidays and weekend with those who believe differently from me as well.
There are challenges in accepting people as they are, especially when our differences seem very stark. In reality, most of us are not so different as it seems by the labels we use. And yet many will argue, justify, and even insult the difference in labels.
Our founding fathers warned that a two party system would be to the detriment of our country and yet it has moved that way anyway. When asked, regardless of the label they choose, most Americans will say there was no good choice to vote for or that they were voting for the lesser of two evils. If this is the case, our system has failed. We now have people rioting their fellow countryman instead of a broken system, or worse trying to use cracks in the system to get their own way.
The same is true with religion. There are those that need to proclaim their beliefs and choices loudly or condemn others for a different choice no matter how slight. An argument of baptism versus christening, one form of Christianity versus another or even a different religion all together get in the way of friendships. The judgments cloud the fact that it is all seeking something greater. It clouds the fact that they were all formed in love. And it goes against the very principle of loving our brothers and sisters that the message says.
And unfortunately these feeling have come into families, homes, and celebrations. There is no need to war against each other. It is time to strip the labels and focus on what we want not rally against what we fear. It is time to embrace each other with our hearts and spread love not war. It is time to accept each other.
I'm grateful to understand my own beliefs and where they come from. I'm grateful to be able to say that I know exactly what carved my beliefs. I'm grateful to be able to listen to those who wish to express their views in an open and loving way. I'm grateful for those who can see passed the labels. I'm grateful for those who can release the fear of opposition and accept that we are all doing our best with our individual experiences and understanding. I'm grateful for respect. And I'm grateful to hold my own heart and, when necessary, my tongue to allow those who need to express themselves to do so. I'm grateful to know that when I am worn down from all the judgments that are cast on me that I have a core support group who has me back and despite our differences in beliefs will help me refill my cup.
What are your beliefs? How do you treat others who hold different beliefs? How can you show respect and love to your fellow humans?
May today grant us acceptance. May we find love and friendship despite our differences. And may those who are not ready to embrace, leave it at the door.
There are challenges in accepting people as they are, especially when our differences seem very stark. In reality, most of us are not so different as it seems by the labels we use. And yet many will argue, justify, and even insult the difference in labels.
Our founding fathers warned that a two party system would be to the detriment of our country and yet it has moved that way anyway. When asked, regardless of the label they choose, most Americans will say there was no good choice to vote for or that they were voting for the lesser of two evils. If this is the case, our system has failed. We now have people rioting their fellow countryman instead of a broken system, or worse trying to use cracks in the system to get their own way.
The same is true with religion. There are those that need to proclaim their beliefs and choices loudly or condemn others for a different choice no matter how slight. An argument of baptism versus christening, one form of Christianity versus another or even a different religion all together get in the way of friendships. The judgments cloud the fact that it is all seeking something greater. It clouds the fact that they were all formed in love. And it goes against the very principle of loving our brothers and sisters that the message says.
And unfortunately these feeling have come into families, homes, and celebrations. There is no need to war against each other. It is time to strip the labels and focus on what we want not rally against what we fear. It is time to embrace each other with our hearts and spread love not war. It is time to accept each other.
I'm grateful to understand my own beliefs and where they come from. I'm grateful to be able to say that I know exactly what carved my beliefs. I'm grateful to be able to listen to those who wish to express their views in an open and loving way. I'm grateful for those who can see passed the labels. I'm grateful for those who can release the fear of opposition and accept that we are all doing our best with our individual experiences and understanding. I'm grateful for respect. And I'm grateful to hold my own heart and, when necessary, my tongue to allow those who need to express themselves to do so. I'm grateful to know that when I am worn down from all the judgments that are cast on me that I have a core support group who has me back and despite our differences in beliefs will help me refill my cup.
What are your beliefs? How do you treat others who hold different beliefs? How can you show respect and love to your fellow humans?
May today grant us acceptance. May we find love and friendship despite our differences. And may those who are not ready to embrace, leave it at the door.
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