The last few lines of yesterday’s post:
Where
is the junction of spiritual and political power?
Can
the two ever exist in the same space?
According
to whom?
It
can only be in that hallowed moment
When
I love and respect you,
You
who make me most uncomfortable,
Without
demeaning myself.
How can I practice what I preach?
How do I walk the talk?
There are millions of Americans who hold political and religious views
that I find repellent. My tendency is to
mentally label them as IGNORANT, as in Stupid Ignoramus, at worst, or as merely
ignorant, as in not as well educated as I, at best...two levels of arrogant
condescension. And yet, I suspect that
real power lies in finding common ground and mutual respect wherever it can be
found
So, today I am inviting you to join me in a spiritual practice. I really want you to try this with me and share
your observations.
Politically and philosophically, I lean to the left. I am uncomfortable with and often judgmental
of folks who lean strongly to the right.
So for me, this exercise is to sincerely, publicly acknowledge what I
admire and respect about right-leaners.
Here goes:
1. I respect their deep concern
about government intrusion into individual lives. I appreciate their fear of a “nanny state,”
and the loss of individual initiative and self-reliance.
2. Though I am an adherent of a
woman’s right to choose, I am sympathetic to those who believe abortion is a
very serious issue and should not be taken lightly or abused.
3. I fully understand the belief
that the Bible is the literal Word of God to be obeyed unerringly, and the
concurrent belief that Christianity is the one true religion. People who hold that belief will, if they
have any integrity at all, make every attempt to convince their neighbors and
fellow citizens of the error of their ways and warn them of the perceived
consequences. I admire people who follow
their conscience.
While typing these three statements I was very aware of the desire to add qualifiers, disclaimers and rebuttals, but that defeats the purpose.
Can you think of at least three examples of traits or qualities you
genuinely admire or respect in people with whom you strongly disagree?
Could you say so in their presence?
Here is a chance to practice.
Share your ideas in the comment section.
