How to Navigate Politics with Grace
If you are anything like me, you are ready for this election season to come to an end. In my 45 years, I have never seen a political environment like the one we are currently experiencing. While we are just a few days from knowing who has in fact won the race, the aftermath of the banter between both parties will continue. I would love to say that it will all come to an end after the election, and while most will on Capitol Hill, the conversations in your backyard, with friends and on social media will have a lasting impact and here is why...
There is underlying pressure to “pick a side.”
From the very beginning of the race, we, as Americans, were not only forced to pick a side, but we were encouraged to be vocal about our political affiliation. I have never seen so many comments, good and bad, made by friends and family on social platforms. It is as if we have lost sight of who individuals truly are and only see them for the party with which they identified and the beliefs that they plastered on their social media accounts. Once someone revealed their political beliefs, the relationship was either reinforced or came to an abrupt and hurtful end. There has been no in between. There has been no middle ground, or agreeing to disagree. We have let two men in a blue and a red tie ruin relationships that we have spent years building. My encouragement to you, in this season, is to think twice before you speak or share words that have the potential to tear down relationships that have meant so much to us.
It has become socially acceptable to tear one another down when our beliefs are not in alignment with another.
I am embarrassed by where we are as a nation. I will never understand how we have gotten to the place where our President can only win by tearing down the opponent and speaking with such negativity about the other. What happened to selling the American people on what you can do, knowing to your core, because of your work ethic, you will get it done. I cannot even turn the TV on without hearing a slamming commercial that one opponent is running against the other. This certainly is not the way I want my children to learn to conduct themselves, nor is it how a true leader should conduct themselves. This has become our new norm, one that we have come to accept.
We have thrown love out the window.
This moment in history is truly a test of our ability to love one another. Is it conditional or is it sincere? Is it dependent on who one is voting for, or are you approaching your friends and family with a posture of respect for their position regardless of which politician they are voting for?
We have all played a role in the great divide we are currently experiencing. If we really want to convince those around us who see the world differently, to see things from our perspective, our actions need to speak much louder than any words we share or post online. Our approach should be that of respect for other individuals and love regardless of their political identification. While it is easy to love those who agree with us, we have all been put to a test far greater than choosing a President.
We are in the midst of what I feel to be the greatest test of our ability to love those who are different than us than ever before in history. My hope is that we leave this election with a sense of relief that this too has passed and that we work just as hard to unite and repair relationships damaged by two men who have monopolized our time, cost us relationships and created a great divide in this country.
All you can do is be responsible for your words and actions. While you can disagree with your loved ones, there is a right and wrong way to communicate. Remember, if you want to convince someone that your party is the one to support, you are a walking billboard for them. Your actions will dictate someone’s ability to listen and be receptive to your worldview. Choose to treat others with love and respect. This year has been a challenge in more ways than one. Think twice before you speak and use your words to inspire change. Use your influence to make a positive impact in our seemingly negative world. Always remember, through every challenge we may face, there is opportunity to love others and love them well.
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