To quote Gandhi, "You must be the change you want to see in the world.” I believe that is a critically important message in current times, and it has inspired me to write my thoughts about our state of being presently.
Those who know me, know that I’m not a religious person, I consider myself spiritual, but not affiliated with any specific religious belief. It is because of this that I have been somewhat of a spiritual explorer most of my adult life. Religion however, is not the topic of this post, but politics.
One memory of my quest for understanding was a series of conversations I had at work with a woman of the Jehovah’s Witness faith. Being curious and not having any prior knowledge of this sect, I was very inquisitive. I asked about the door knocking, the Kingdom Hall (which sounds so important and exclusive), and we also discussed many other topics that she felt comfortable discussing with me in our office as we worked day to day.
One day during election season we got talking about voting and she said that her faith didn’t allow her to vote. To me, that seemed difficult to understand at first. In simple terms, she said “It is against my religion to vote, as we believe that it is improper to put any man before God.” I had to let that one sink in. I’m sure that I asked her numerous questions after that, but that was many years ago. I found a current reference that explains a bit further at this link.
“Since we avoid political divisions, we are united as an international brotherhood. (Colossians 3:14; 1 Peter 2:17) In contrast, religions that meddle in politics divide their members.—1 Corinthians 1:10.”
Again, I’m not a religious person, though I was brought up in a faith of my parents’ choosing. By the time I was a “free thinking teenager” and new to public school with a variety of students from other religions, I set out to explore other churches, temples, and discussions of others’ beliefs (or lack thereof) in general. This was my awakening.
But let’s go back to the reference above, as that is the point I’m hoping to reflect on with you now. They say “We are UNITED as an international brotherhood.” Let me just say a proud “Amen!” Not to that religion specifically, but in general, we are all of the same human race, take away color, creed, or sexual preference, we are all brethren on this planet. Will it take an outside intervention such as an extraterrestrial invasion to bring us all together to realize that? I should hope not.
This last few years have seen the most exhausting political race we've had in the U.S. in a long time. The last Presidential election has been perhaps the most divisive one in generations. To quote the above reference again, “Religions that meddle in politics divide their members.” Can’t help but also bring in a quote from an old Billy Thorpe song, “People of the earth can you hear me…” I know, different context completely, but it's time that we all really started paying attention to the sights and sounds around us. We all have the power to end the divisiveness going on now!
It doesn’t matter that we have a scary new president, as based on the numbers, it would be true on either side of the equation. My request to readers of my words, I implore you to take personal responsibility for your remaining time here on our tiny blue dot of a planet. Regroup, brush the dirt off your shoulders, and find a way you can take action and make a difference here. One man or woman “in charge” of a country can only do so much, we have made it this far as a nation after all.
“We the People of the United States, in Order to form a more perfect Union, establish Justice, insure domestic Tranquility, provide for the common defense, promote the general Welfare, and secure the Blessings of Liberty to ourselves and our Posterity, do ordain and establish this Constitution for the United States of America.”
Sure, things have changed over the last 200+ years, but the idealism of the founding fathers remains with anyone who does want this country to be great. I don’t know if my words resonate with anyone reading this, but I hope to see people come together, ideally sooner than later, and take responsibility for yourself, your family, friends, community, country, and world. In a time where even CEOs are taking matters into their own hands for climate change, I am optimistic that we as individuals can all follow suit.
Are you ready to improve some area in your life with coaching? Reach out to start a conversation liz@goalreaper.com
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