How Did We Get Here?

“The opposite of love is not hate, it’s indifference. The opposite of art is not ugliness, it’s indifference. The opposite of faith is not heresy, it’s indifference. And the opposite of life is not death, it’s indifference.”
― Elie Wiese 

 

How did we get here? 

Everywhere you look, it appears we are surrounded by turmoil and conflict.  It’s become commonplace, acceptable even, to attack, criticize and condemn those we don’t agree with.  Or like.  Character assassination is a daily, commonplace occurrence.  It’s as frustrating and wearisome as it is shamefully sad, but predictable.

 

We’ve reached the point in our society where it’s become easier to tear down and destroy rather than exert the energy to pull ourselves and those around us up.  We’ve become indifferent to the effect these attacks have upon the “victims”.  And worse, we don’t realize the effect it has upon the attackers.  Every time we demean or dehumanize people, we lose.  We are often manipulated by influential people that prey on fear and doubts, encouraging disunity and strife.  To what purpose?  There’s always an ulterior motive for this.  But truly, our future lies in a unified and supportive society.  

 

Is it so hard for us…

to extend to others what we so desperately need ourselves?  Grace, forgiveness, encouragement, support, acceptance…if you don’t currently need any of that now, you’re fooling yourself.  Have you never made a mistake?  Have you never needed forgiveness?  Have you never said or done something that you wished desperately you could take back?  We all have.  And we’ve all been on the receiving end of the wrath of the masses.  Some people really do enjoy being a torch bearer on the way to roasting someone at the stake.  So you had your feelings hurt.  Ok.  You were wronged.  Someone had the audacity to say something you disagreed with.  I get it.  It happens.  Forgiveness doesn’t mean we can’t hold those who harmed us accountable.  We all need to be accountable for our actions.  But unforgiveness, bitterness and hate…well, it leads us down a path that is dark and lonely.  As I’ve said before, forgive quickly, but never forget.  Be accountable even as you hold each other accountable in love and mercy.       

 

A unified people simply cannot be contained.

A brief survey of history, when taught correctly, shows this to be true.  We must resist the urge to condemn and criticize.  That path shows how indifferent we have become to the future of our society.  Instead we have to find a way to lift and encourage, support and even redeem.  There’s room for everyone.  Instead of seeing the fault in others, our focus needs to be on improving ourselves for the betterment of those around us.  Then, and only then, can we truly thrive. 

Together.    

{Photo by Suliman Sallehi from Pexels}