Last week, I read my friend Keli Gwyn's post Staying Positive in a Negative World.
Even though her post was primarily about publishing, I couldn't get the title out of my head, as it resonated with many other non-publishing related situations this weekend.
We had some bad news splashed all over the media yesterday.
Remember when the crazy guy shot the Amish schoolchildren a few years back, and their parents offered nothing in return but love and forgiveness? Why was America so moved? Because those Amish people were countercultural. They did not become obsessed with assigning blame. They did not spread hatred and pain. Instead, they absorbed it and gave back peace instead.
When we hear bad news and immediately let it spread its cloud over us and darken our thinking, we are falling into the culture of the world. When we get angry and blame others for a tragedy, or, alternatively, we get angry because someone is being blamed and we feel that person or party is innocent, we are just dupes of the world.
No one listens to anger. There's so much floating around that our sulking or shouting just blends in with all the rest.
People listen to love.
When's the last time you heard someone talk politics with love?
I haven't heard it often. In fact, one of the reasons I often avoid political discussions is because people take them as a license to vent their extreme dislike of one person, or one party, or one law.
I heard a man talk politics with love in the parking lot of a Goodwill the other day. He had my full attention. As he unloaded my donation, he talked to me about his concern for what the politicians are doing to the people of this country: how they are dividing and turning us against one another.
I could not agree more.
The real battle is not between Republicans and Democrats, black and white, or rich or poor. The battle is between those who treat others with love and respect, and those who abuse and deride others, or even murder them, in the ultimate act of abuse.
The problem is, we've become so confused about the terms of our debate that we no longer understand whose side we're supposed to be on.
If we're Christian, then our God should be the God of Love. Most understand that being on the side of love means we must not murder. But we must also say no to disrespectful words, to abuse, to argument in which we just want to be superior or to win.
That means even when we talk politics, we stay positive in a negative world. Does that mean we can't disagree with something? No. But it means we don't get abusive, we don't ridicule others, and we don't pass around blame. It means we don't say things about people behind their backs that are unkind or derisive, no matter how misguided we think their beliefs or policies might be. That includes public figures!
Love: the Ultimate Countercultural Act.
How can we spread it today? Because THAT is what it means to "fight the good fight."
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
21 comments:
Our young and insightful youth pastor delivered a powerful sermon on compassion today. One of his points struck a chord with me: "Jesus died not only for the sins you have committed but also for the sins committed against you."
I thought about this in light of tragedies such as the one in Tucson this past Saturday, and I realized that those who are able to forgive the perpetrator of such an action, like the Amish parents in the case you mentioned, embrace the truth my pastor shared. They responded to a hateful, hurtful act with love and grace rather than with anger and vengeful thoughts, and that's the way The Lord would have us respond.
if Jesus could was the feet of Judas, kiss him lovingly on the cheek, and all the while know He was going to be betrayed. Even still, hanging from the cross beaten and mocked still begging the Father for our forgiveness.
Who am I not to forgive and walk in Christ statues for love?
Wow. Great stuff this morning, Rosslyn. Definitely some stuff worth reflecting on for the beginning of the week. Thanks, girl!
Clapping, cheering, AGREEING!
Reminds me of Eph. 6:12
Our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil...
All kinds of wisdom in this post. So often I'm reminded of what a beautiful example Jesus lived for us.
~ Wendy
Wow. Wow. I say again Wow.
I can honestly say I've never associated love with politics. And now, I wonder why not? Maybe I'd be more interested in them if I felt things were done with our best interests at heart rather than profit and loss.
Thanks Rosslyn, this was quite a "wake up" read!
I think this post needs to go in a political journal, and while you're at it, stick it in the church newsletter. I'm feeling judgemental about people who I see as being judgemental and prejudice and closed-minded. They're building up walls. I'm adding the mortar.
Thanks for your contributions, everybody! I am really enjoying this discussion. I need to contemplate some of these thoughts *every day* as they center on the most challenging aspect of the Christian walk.
Mary, I would love to see something like this in a political journal. Maybe I can send the idea to a big-name writer who has the clout to write on this topic and get his article published. :-)
Staying positive has been on my mind too.
I was actually in Tucson when this happened and I can't believe some of the comments I heard from kids that were walking by us the day of the incident. They were insensitive and cruel.
The world can be a scary place. :(
Rosslyn,
Some great political and social commentary here! I really like this statement from you: "No one listens to anger." Haven't really thought about it until reading it here, so will have to give it some thought. But I think you may be right. People are afraid of anger, or they get angry at anger and srike back, producing more anger. But do they really listen to it? I think of the times I got angry and have to wonder if my anger accomplished what I hoped it would?
There is plenty of room for more political comentary like this in our world. Feel free to post on this again!
Any chance you can run up to Red River Encampment this summer for a day or so? Cheryl and I (and hopefully one or two of the kids) will be up there.
wb
Nichole, young people can be especially insensitive, I agree, but I try to give them a little more grace because I was also incredibly stupid in my teens. Maybe not in that exact way, but certainly in several others. :-)
Warren, I'm planning to make it up there--couldn't miss the opportunity to meet you and your family!
Amen Sister! Negativity has become the norm, and altruism and positive feelings the exception. It really makes being an introvert so much easier. :)
I definitely made my fair share of mistakes as a teen, but I find it hard to accept teens (or people in general) who find cold blooded murder humorous and acceptable...?
As far as politics, I do find the blame game...silly. When I saw the news the following day accusing certain public figures I was saddened by that as well.
Moments like this are tough. I am a very compassionate and sensitive person, (too sensitive according to my hubby) but I do think there is a difference between immature and evil, no matter what the age.
Yes, that is true, Nichole. I think only the person who actually overhears a conversation can determine the tone of it. I remember (a little vaguely, because of the shock) expressing strong dissatisfaction in a graduate school class about something callous I heard teenagers say soon after 9/11. :-)
I agree. Love is always a great ingredient in any conversation. I worked in mental health for years and I also see the other side of the coin. People with sick minds (and I mean physically sick) are subject to acts of violence because they don't receive the proper care. I know. More of our patients than I care to remember ended their lives and the lives of others.
That is very sad, T. Anne. You probably have a lot of insight into that aspect of our society. I hope you will share it...maybe in your novels, but I don't know if you plan to go in that direction. I know I would like to learn more!
I just discovered your blog. It is outstanding! Thank you for sharing countercultural thoughts like this!
Great post! I have enjoyed reading all of the thoughtful comments. It is such an amazing scripture that talks about "heaping hot coals" upon your enemies by showing them love in Prov. 25:22. My instincts are always to fight it out and confront enemies or evil-doers and yet the higher ground often produces more meaningful and lasting results.
Agree. Well said. Hey, you must be a writer.
:0)
Hope you have had a wonderful week!
It is true that people do not listen to anger. They generally just shut down.
What we may tend to forget, is that anger is role-modeled for many people in the homes of their youth, and when they go out into the world, it is all they know.
How important it is for Christian parents to role-model civility and respect in our everyday conversations.
Enjoying the discussion....Marsha Young
Powerful post Rosslyn! Thank you for writing it.
I think the current events make us sit up and think even more or maybe I'm getting older but it is sad to see where things are going.
Thanks for the link to Keli--I got sidetracked and went there and then realized today I hadn't read your whole post!
To respond in love is, indeed, counter-cultural. I agree with you: no one listens to anger. Great post.
Post a Comment