Over the last decade, I cannot count the number of times I have written essays on civility, kindness, and respect. It became a mission to always include God in my columns in some way, every time. The only way we can absorb goodness and heal our societal divisions is to remember the Lord’s instructions.
Last Sunday, during our church service, I could sense the pain in our minister as he tried to encourage empathy and godliness. He could preach, and I could write until the cows come home, but sometimes it feels as if evil wants those cows to get lost in the wilderness.
Too much revenge, anger, blame, and bias among our citizens is silencing our better selves. Even those who are faith-based often express words filled with hatred and judgment, fueling more division and cruelty. If you don’t believe me, look at your social media posts.
Long-held friendships often suffer as shared values are overshadowed by differing political views. The belief that an old friend has become too conservative or too liberal frequently serves as an excuse for severed relationships.
Giving up a treasured connection over political beliefs is truly unfortunate and sad.
An old friend of mine, who was a remarkable religious leader and a decorated soldier, became broken-hearted. Despite facing numerous health issues, he was adored by countless people for his positive messages and authentic life. One day, after January 6, 2021, he posted on his Facebook page that he was leaving social media.
I asked him to explain why. “Lynn, it breaks my heart to see my old friends spewing such vitriol and meanness toward each other.”
Before he passed away, he finally returned to social media and shared stories of both victory and suffering, inspiring many. God used the good soldier until the day he died to show the world that we can live within God’s grace and mercy if only we make the effort.
I thought about my pal because I could see the same sorrow and the same fight for virtue in our minister on Sunday. I understand all too well how it sometimes feels as if those of us who try to encourage kindness face brick walls built from evil.
The killing of Charlie Kirk, along with the shooting and deaths of Minnesota legislators as well as the attempted murders of President Trump, Governor Shapiro, and Paul Pelosi, contribute to a climate of political division, chaos, and a decline in American integrity.
The endless threats we direct at each other due to our political views are an affront to God. Neither Republicans nor Democrats have all the answers. If our two-party system is harming our nation, we must reconsider our priorities and remember our first loyalty is to God.
My dad always said, “When our country goes astray, whether it is economically or spiritually, a war will pull us together.” Whenever he repeated that phrase, I thought it expressed a sad, pessimistic view of people. However, after witnessing what has unfolded in our nation in recent years, I often find myself feeling the same sense of disillusionment.
After the 9/11 attacks on our country, I came to understand what my parents went through following Pearl Harbor. There was a strong sense of unity and an American spirit that prevailed, with everyone coming together to help and serve.
Where have we gone from that moment? Who is truly victorious today? Why are we fighting among ourselves and allowing errant leaders, political commentators, and biases to fuel the flames of violence?
The brick wall of evil stands tall, obstructing the view of the cross. As a result, those of us who attempt to dismantle the wall piece by piece often feel as though no one truly wants to see the beacon on the hill, the cross on the steeple, or the greatness of God.
Tears streamed down my cheeks that Sunday as sorrow filled the air between the pews. For a moment, I thought I would break down and sob, but when our pastor asked the congregation to join hands for the benediction, something shifted—a blessing took place.
I was seated next to the aisle, and a pre-teen boy sat across from me. When we held hands, he noticed a tear rolling down my cheek. After the benediction, the boy turned toward me and smiled, saying, “Ma’am, I hope you have a good day.”
I could sense that he understood my pain when he reached out to hug me. In that moment, the sorrow I felt began to fade, revealing a glimmer of hope that the children of today will become the compassionate leaders of tomorrow, and the brick wall will come tumbling down.
