Today is our day! Today we vote. We take part in our national our privilege.
We vote because not everyone can vote. We vote for what we believe. We vote for what we need. We do not vote out of fear. Today we vote with hope to make a difference.
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This week is a mixed bag of emotions for everyone. Some people are excited for the new opportunities in their elected candidate. Other people are depressed by their candidate not being elected.
Whether or not your candidate is set to be sworn in next January, remember what they cannot create laws against.
Love. You cannot outlaw love.
Joy. The worst they can do is accuse you of being too nice and friendly.
Peace. How do you respond when they incite you to riot?
Patience. When you do not get your way, will you continue to fight on?
Kindness. The other side of the “aisle” has a different opinion than you. How do you treat them?
Goodness. How does who wants more goodness act in the face of opposition?
Gentleness. A soft touch and a soft heart are appealing and incite progress.
Self-control. Stay focused on your goals, priorities, and ethics. Have any of these since November 7th?
Against these things there is no law. These are the catalysts to growing as a nation.
Will you let the news, politics, and election decide your emotions? Or will you choose your actions intentionally?
Intentionally,
–JT
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The recent events of Paris have slammed into us all. These events have awoken me as well as I am sure you have been awoken as well. These events have reminded us of the worst parts of humanity. Our collective lowest points and how terrible humanity can be when we act out of pure selfishness and extremism. Truly an atrocity in Paris.
Alongside these events in Paris have come a series of responses ranging the full gamut. One response being the Bleeding Heart. These are the people who have been changing their profile photo, making statuses on social media of their thoughts, prayers, and good vibes being sent towards Parisians caught up in these events.
Then there are other peoples' responses, such as the Cynic’s approach. The people who are unimpressed by these statuses, avatar changes, and sending of prayers. These people cite the monetary value of these changes to be nothing. To the Cynic, sending nothing to Paris is the same as doing the listed actions above. The Cynic also makes comments about the unreported atrocities going on every day. They point out the lack of emotion from the bleeding heart and the mainstream media's lack of coverage. All of which ends up hurting and devaluing what the Bleeding Heart was saying or doing in the first place.
The Bleeding Heart eventually responds mad and makes an inflammatory defensive statement towards the Cynic.
The Cynic, justified by the Bleeding Heart, fires off some snarky remarks designed to enflame the Bleeding Heart.
At the end of the conversation, no one has won. There is only anger, pain, and hurt people. When all along the Cynic only wants people to take action and the Bleeding Hearts wants to help people.
Action is exactly what everyone wants. Everyone wants to help. Everyone wants to see restoration and healing. The prayers are powerful. The thoughts are encouraging. And donating to the cause makes a difference.
All of these parts are necessary. I cannot let myself stop short of taking action. Too often I hear of something tragic going on whether it be up the street or half way around the world and I say my prayer and call it good. Not often enough do I take time to donate my time or money to the cause.
In this season of generosity, will you donate to the cause? What other times do you stop short when you are called to do more than an obligatory prayer? Who are you in this scenario, the Cynic or the Bleeding Heart?
Both And,
–JT
P.S. I found these two charities. One to help the victims of Bataclan and one to help the Syrian Refugees. I have not researched or vetted these charities in any way. I strongly suggest doing your research before donating, but I think these charities are trying to help people who are front and center of the world’s stage.