FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 24, 2021 LOVE WINS

 FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 24, 2021  LOVE WINS

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This is the last Friday in September.  On Fridays, I do something related to my spirituality - and LOVE WINS.

God blesses those who hunger and thirst for justice, for they will be satisfied.

God blesses those who work for peace, for they will be called the children of God.

God blesses those who are persecuted for doing right, for the Kingdom of Heaven is theirs.  (From Matthew 5 - the sermon on the mound)

There are ills and evils in the world.  Last year we saw more of those hungering and thirsting for justice; we saw more of those working for peace, and more that were persecuted for doing right.  There was the “Black Lives Matter” movement.  

As I write, Texas has changed its voting laws to be stricter with voting.  (Aside I worked as a voting judge last year - more on that later- maybe much later).  Some are concerned that the new laws will hurt blacks and minorities.  A parallel activity is just starting as Texas picked up two seats in Congress and the legislature has to create those two new districts.  Another concern is that this will be a partisan activity.   A news article says “Hispanics are expected to become the largest population group in Texas as soon as 2022.” 

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Yes, we are a diverse people.  And, we aren’t really sure how to help justice, peace, and those who are persecuted.  

What is justice?  I think there are many opinions on that.  Wikipedia says:

“Justice, in its broadest sense, is the principle that people receive that which they deserve, with the interpretation of what then constitutes "deserving" being impacted upon by numerous fields, with many different viewpoints and perspectives, including the concepts of moral correctness based on ethics, rationality, law, religion, equity, and fairness. The state will sometimes endeavor to increase justice by operating courts and enforcing their rulings.” 

As I was researching this topic I found an article “How to work for peace in the workplace.”

https://theundercoverrecruiter.com/keep-peace-work/   This is good for the workplace, the class reunions, the Thanksgiving Dinner, and more.

Their first point was to avoid taboo topics.  Those might be topics like abortion, immigration, Black Lives Matter, fairness in voting laws, and many more.  (Hint, talk about the weather!!)

Point two was to listen.  How often do we keep our noses on our screens and not really listen to others?  Establish eye contact, Take interest in our coworkers and friends (and even non-friends).  

Voltaire, a French philosopher supposedly said, “I may not agree with what you say, but to the death, I will defend your right to say it.”.  Do we automatically turn our ears to the off position (or cover them), when somebody brings up a topic different than our belief?  Listen to them.  I/we might learn something!!!

Learn from past mistakes was the third principle in the article.  If a heated debate occurred in the past over some topic, then just avoid it, or stay out of the discussion.  Last year (2020) during the Presidental Elections, it was frequently easier to stay out of such discussions.

Understand there is a time and place for debate - but that isn’t at work or at the Thanksgiving table.  If you are working, you are getting paid by your employer to accomplish something - and you are not getting paid to debate politics or social injustices - even if you have a great passion for certain topics.

Point five is a good reminder: “Don’t be too proud to apologize.”  While saying “I was wrong” might not cover overall topics, it can be a start to healing.  If (as I like to say) we are ALL made in the image and likeness of God, maybe we can see the “god-part” in our fellow humans.

And finally (quoting from the article): 

“Now, workplace bullying is not something to take lightly and if you feel victimized, speak to a manager. However, if some tension has simply grown between yourself and another member of the team, you have two options: ‘get over it or laugh it off. Which strategy you choose should be dependent on what your future relationship with the colleague needs to be like, and the type of person you are. I’m very non-confrontational, so when I was upset by what someone said once I chose to simply move past it for the sake of having to work together. If you’re feeling brave, bring it up by the kettle one day and laugh about it together (hopefully). If not, just let it pass. They’ve probably already forgotten about it.”

If we can agree to disagree pleasantly - then do it (that is, disagree).  If we can’t agree to disagree, let it go.  Let it pass.

I like Proverbs 15 - verse 1: “A gentle answer deflects anger, but harsh words make tempers flare.”

“Let there be peace on earth

And let it begin with me

Let There Be Peace on Earth

The peace that was meant to be

With God as our Father

Brothers all are we

Let me walk with my brother

In perfect harmony.

Let peace begin with me

Let this be the moment now.

With ev'ry step I take

Let this be my solemn vow

To take each moment and live

Each moment in peace eternally

Let there be peace on earth

And let it begin with me”

LOVE WINS!!!

Karen