The Great Divide

THE GREAT DIVIDE

Shortly after the events that took place on the morning of September 11th, 2001 - even within hours, some might speculate -we saw a great coming together of the people of the United States. In spite of differences, we consoled, comforted, talked to neighbors like they were old friends, and the list goes on.

Many people came together worldwide on February 15th, 2003 (yes, almost thirteen years ago) in order to protest the coming inevitable invasion and war of Iraq. 

However, since that time we have seen a great divide in the world, especially the United States. We are allowing our differences to tear us apart, separate us,and divide us. Yes, we do need to realize our differences, and acknowledge that we will always have some external or internal differences. Yet, these differences should not tear at the very core of our existence and humanity. Embrace the differences of your friend, co-workers, friends, and neighbors.

We may not always see eye-to-eye on some things, but with other things we do. We may not see eye-to-eye but we can acknowledge our similarities and find a common ground with our differences.
Don't allow other people - politicians, media, or anyone - to further this divide. Find common ground with fellow man and live in peace, love, and kindness. It is our only hope of not advancing the "Doomsday Clock". I have hope we can do it.

Don't Just Talk the Talk

DON'T JUST TALK THE TALK

Our world is filled with too much negativity and cynicism. When it comes down to it, I can understand why someone might feel helpless, hopeless, depressed, or full of anxiety. Remember that "the thief comes to steal, kill, and destroy" (John 10:10). He comes to steal your joy, kill your peace, and destroy your life.

This world is too big to have people thinking so small. When we think small scale and put self before others no one wins. Yes, we do need to always consider our needs, but we should not allow our ego to get so big as to not help others. We live in a globalized society and Americans need to now consider that it is not just about us. We have many issues in our nation (sickness, homelessness, poverty, debt, and so much more) but as a human race we should consider other people just as much as we consider ourselves.

People complain about their jobs when at least they have a job. People complain there are no jobs when a recent report addressed over 5 million jobs in our nation need to be filled. People, it seems, love to complain. People turn to others and expect them to intervene and attempt to correct personal and societal injustices. This battle, however, is also yours. If you're going to talk the talk, you also need to walk the walk: organize and attend meetings, volunteer, rally others, protest (peacefully): no limits exist as to what you can do. Don't just sit there, but do something. Be positive, joyous, and do what you feel you are being called to do. You can be that positive impact for someone or some group.

It's All Your Fault!

IT'S ALL YOUR FAULT

Now that I have your attention, let me just say that I do believe in doctors, medicine, and the need for everyone to choose if they should have some type of health care coverage for themselves and their families in the event of getting sick or anything else unavoidable. With that in mind I do disagree with the notion that most people should be reliant on the three. Most - not all - people are in whatever predicament they are in due to some fault of their own and I firmly believe many can be reversed. Eat the right foods in the right portions, exercise in some capacity (that will also be a good thing to do as a family), be joyous, don't have multiple sexual partners (and if you do be protected), be cautious and aware of your surroundings, and the list goes on. Don't blame your situation on doctors, medicine, Healthcare, or the lack thereof : blame yourself.