Turmoil

This is an age of great turmoil and angst for many people in the Church and outside the Church. There are many of my friends who I admire and look up to that believe differently than me. The world and sometimes the Church don't like to admit that a person can do both - admire and disagree, but it is possible.

I want to make sure that I am transparent in my writings, so I will tell you that I didn't vote for either of the major candidates. I had major disagreements with both major political parties on their platforms and their directions for the US, so I voted for a candidate that I knew couldn't win, but who's platform mostly matched my own beliefs and stances on the major items I hold dear. I want you, the reader, to know my political stance so that you know that I am neither a "Democrat" or a "Republican" voter. My writings are not meant to be political, but personal.

Now then, this Blog is being written from a deep held faith that only God is in control. Only God knows the future. Only He is aware in advance of the outcomes of any political races, actions, or laws resulting from this election season. Only God can do anything to change those before they happen, so why should I worry ? Why should I have an anxiety attack over something I have no control of ? Why should I lose friends over something that neither of us can control ?

I shouldn't........

I do admit that voting is a great benefit of living in the US and as my Dad always said, if you don't vote, don't complain. So, I do support the right and necessity of every citizen of voting age doing their duty and voting. Vote your conscience. Vote your beliefs. Vote for people you want to govern, but don't vote to lose friends and colleagues. Don't take the outcome so seriously that you become a grumpy, old, crusty, hatred-filled human being. Don't contribute to the turmoil that comes out of every election anymore.

Be kind, Listen to others. Listening doesn't mean agreement. We can have civil conversations and walk away without a hatred building between us. We can debate softly. We can chat, laugh, and disagree while having a great lunch together. We can walk away from those conversations still being friends.

We must be able to do this in the United States. Our forefathers came to these shores to build a better life with a fair constitution. They debated till they came together with rules that allowed debate without violence and hatred. Let's follow that lead and learn to live together. Maybe not in harmony, but in peace. We can do better.