Everyone loves to pass on happy little slogans or cute little puppies on their social media. But seldom does anyone seem to want to pass on things that remind us that we have responsibilities or problems to fix.
I wonder, what will you do with THIS post?
We seem to have two extremes: people that spew toxic posts on social media and those that mostly spread "sunshine and butterflies" posts (or a play-by-play of their own life).
But in light of tragic events like Charlotte, NC and too many others to enumerate, more needs to be said. We have problems that WE need to fix.
We need to call evil what it is. We need to stand up for what is right, voice it, and make it clear. A silent majority of good people isn't going to work.
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All the anti-people-of-some-group attitudes and rhetoric in our country is evil and darkness. Anti-Muslim, anti-illegal Latin immigrant, anti-same-sex-attracted, anti-government-officer, anti-Christian, and all those other antis are not going to make our country any better. They will not make America great.
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All the anti-people-of-some-group attitudes and rhetoric in our country is evil and darkness. Anti-Muslim, anti-illegal Latin immigrant, anti-same-sex-attracted, anti-government-officer, anti-Christian, and all those other antis are not going to make our country any better. They will not make America great.
Every person in our country, including those entering legally or otherwise are worthwhile people. They are "created equal" in value and worth to ourselves. We need to remember that. Even when they make mistakes--and we all do--we need to remember their value and worth, be willing to forgive, and even to help them.
If you belong to any religion that espouses the idea of "love one another" or "love thy neighbor," go be a part of it. Don't slack in it. Support it, spread it, teach it to your children. If you have a Bible or other sacred text, read it. Don't leave it for the dust balls to fester.
If you're patriotic, follow the words of President Lincoln when he spoke of "charity for all."
If you're atheist and believe in evolution, remember all of "we the people" descended from a common ancestor, making us all cousins--family. Let's treat our fellow members of the human family with respect and caring.
And especially, if you believe in God who created us or a higher being than ourselves (who cares about us), seek His guidance. Teach others to do the same, especially in your family.
We need to foster unity among our people. It doesn't come by accepting and tolerating every practice that comes into the mind of man. It doesn't come by condemning or attacking every person or group that is different than ourselves.
I believe the three principles below are essential principles of unity:
1 - Have charity for all. This is the most important principle of unity. It means that no matter who the person is, what he/she does, or lifestyle or status, we need to care enough that we would be willing to help them, especially regarding life-saving needs. It means we work to forgive the mistakes of others. It means we appreciate the good in others--everyone has some good.
2 - Seek and share truth. In our country, too many false ideas and concepts under-gird our culture. Only when truth is prevalent, can we expect to advance the cause of unity. When we all genuinely seek the truth together, it can unite us; but when we deceive each other, it destroys unity.
3 - Keep desires and passions in their proper place. It is often the case that when our desires get out of control, people get hurt. This destroys unity. For example, when the desire for business profits overrides honesty, integrity, or people's well-being, we've seen the results too many times. When political or ideological ideas become stronger and more valuable than our respect for human life, we see events like the one in North Carolina.
I can't emphasize it enough:
Remember UNITY!
Don't just leave this post here; share it!
