intramuralist ™ – Page 110 – A Respectful Dialogue of Current Events

08/04/201608/04/2016

children matter

[Today is post #2 in our annual, summer Guest Writer Series. Note that the opinions expressed may or may not be held by the Intramuralist.]

Black Lives Matter…White Lives Matter…Cops Lives Matter… I am so tired of hearing these overused phrases. Bottom line: We All Matter. More importantly, Our Children Matter. What are we teaching them with all of this hate and violence going on in America right now?

When I was a child, I would leave my house in the morning and play most of the day and well into the evening with my friends and cousins. We would stop in to one of our homes for a bite to eat and then we were back out to ride our bikes, climb trees, capture the imaginary “bad” guys, build forts, and just be kids. We checked in with our parents from time to time but we were free to wander the neighborhood and play. It was a care-free time for all of us, and our parents never really worried about our safety other than maybe a rare broken bone or need for stitches from time to time. Life was simple and life was good.

It makes me sad that children today will never experience this type of innocence. Sure, they still play outside but most, only with adult supervision. They can’t hop on their bikes and ride to their friends’ houses on the other side of the neighborhood without mom or dad following closely. They can’t skip from house to house and make their own lunches without an adult or older sibling being present. They can’t catch lightning bugs or play kick the can in the evenings without someone watching after them. The care-free days of letting kids be kids are gone. Evil has replaced goodness in our society. At some point over the past 50 years, life has changed, and not for the better. Life is no longer simple and life no longer holds the purity and naivety that it once did.

That being said, I believe that every child is born innocent and good, with a pure heart. Each child is absent of evil and hate. However, life experiences teach children bad things. The news media floods society with horrible stories virtually 24 hours a day. You rarely hear of stories where good prevails over evil. News outlets fight to break stories of disgusting, criminal activities. As parents, we can try to shield our children of these things, yet with access to technology, children still find out atrocities that are happening each and every day of their lives. They see the bad and they learn the hate that is prevailing in our world.

Even our political leaders are tainted. We have two Americans running for the highest political office that have less than stellar pasts. It is sad that a country as great as America once was, can’t nominate two better individuals than what we have. I am scared to think of what the country will be for our children and our grandchildren when they become adults. How can we expect America to return to goodness and honor when we continue to elect sub-par, corrupt leaders?

The only way we are going to instill the love and goodness back into our children and society is to start at home with the most basic family unit. We, as parents, must lead our children and teach them respect and dignity. We need to get back to the days of spanking our kids or grounding them and holding them responsible for their actions. We need to get away from participation trophies; celebrate the wins and acknowledge the losses. Our children need to see us doing random acts of kindness for others. We need to donate our time and take our children with us to learn the importance of this act of goodness. We need to enjoy nature and show our kids all of its beauty. We need to smile at others and hold the door for people. Let your children see you doing these things.

I know we all try to be good and strive to be better people; however, a breakdown of society has happened and will continue to happen if we don’t do something to change it. We must change these news reports of civil unrest, mass shootings, the killing of police, rape, murder, robberies, etc. as the norm for our children as they grow into adulthood.

I leave you with the words from Tim Mc Graw’s recently released song, titled “Humble and Kind.” May these lyrics encourage all of us, remembering them as we go through our days and raise our children:

You know there’s a light that glows by the front door
Don’t forget the keys under the mat
When childhood starts shine, always stay humble and kind
Go to church cause your momma says too
Visit grandpa every chance that you can
It won’t be wasted time.

Hold the door say please say thank you
Don’t steal, don’t cheat, and don’t lie
I know you got mountains to climb but
Always stay humble and kind.
When the dreams you’re dreamin come to you
When the work you put in is realized
Let yourself feel the pride but
Always stay humble and kind.

Don’t expect a free ride from no one
Don’t hold a grudge or a chip and here’s why
Bitterness keeps you from flying
Always stay humble and kind.
Know the difference with sleeping with someone
And sleeping with someone you love
I love you ain’t no pick up line so
Always stay humble and kind.

Hold the door say please say thank you
Don’t steal, don’t cheat, and don’t lie
I know you got mountains to climb but
Always stay humble and kind.
When the dreams you dreamin come to you
When the work you put in is realized
Let yourself feel the pride but
Always stay humble and kind.

When it’s hot, eat a root-beer popsicle
Shut off the AC and roll the windows down
Let that summer sun shine
Always stay humble and kind
Don’t take for granted the love this life gives you
When you get where you goin’
Don’t forget turn back around
And help the next one in line
Always stay humble and kind.

Sincerely…
LS

08/02/201608/02/2016

counting the cost

[Note: today begins our annual Guest Writer Series. Hence, the viewpoints expressed may or may not be held by the Intramuralist. Regardless, these guys are good and they are respectful. Enjoy! … starting with Guest Writer #1…]

It was an interesting observation. I was in a florist shop waiting in line to buy flowers for a new mom. At the front of the line was a customer who was eager to place his order. He has his wallet in hand, and from his demeanor, it was obvious that he was ordering flowers for someone special, someone very dear to him. He wanted to send the very best. He was not just sending flowers; he was sending a message.

With strong affirmation and for all of us to hear, he declared, “I want to order a dozen of your very best red roses!”

Then with a degree of hesitancy and apparent after thought, and in a less enthusiastic voice, he asked, “Ah… just how much does a dozen roses cost?”

The clerk replied, “That will be $60.00.”

With that information in mind, further deliberation, and a long pause, he said, “Well…ah…how much does a half dozen cost?”

Again, the clerk replied, “That would be $35.00.”

I watched the man shifting from one foot to the other and obviously in thought as he was evaluating the cost before finalizing his order for this special recipient. Then he said, “Gee, ya’ know, she really likes carnations… and they last so much longer… yes, let’s send her a half dozen carnations instead of the roses.”

As I observed this scenario I couldn’t help but ask myself some questions. Did he decide that she wasn’t worth that which cost the most? Did he decide that less would reflect his love just as much? Did she really like carnations, or was that just a rationalization to get out of ordering the roses he had originally intended when he came into the shop?

Life frequently presents us with scenarios which have lessons within them for us who are observing. I thought about how often we have intentions to give the most or what we deem the best initially, and then when we research the cost, we rationalize to see if we can give a little less, do a little less, or maybe substitute something else entirely. Yes, we still want the relationship, the message, and the desired response to our gift from the recipient, but maybe, just maybe, we can get by with giving just a little less. After all, why should cost matter? Isn’t it the thought that really counts? Well, maybe… but then how important is the relationship, be it physical, emotional, or spiritual? Does what we are willing to invest say something about its value, its importance to us?

So my question is when is substituting something less for the most a commentary on what we honestly value, on how much we really are willing to invest, be it money, time, or ourselves?

Hmmmm, I wonder.

Thanks Intramuralist…you invest from the heart!

Respectfully…
DWL

07/31/2016

different approaches

Eight years ago, I sat in a local coffee shop and had a fascinating conversation. I sat with a then newfound friend who clearly approached life differently than me. Funny. I sometimes think in this polarized, political state we now live in, we’ve assumed there are only three approaches in life: left, right, and the ambiguous, undefined — mostly a route that just doesn’t want to be included with the other two.

I think we are making a significant mistake here. There are way more than three approaches…

There’s a little to the left, a little to the right… a zig zag here and there… there’s a roaming around in circles. There’s coming at it straight from the top… hovering overhead… or maybe those who zero in from somewhere on the bottom.

Some come creatively… others analytically… right brained, left brained, or some dichotomy in between.

There are our introverts, extroverts, and those introverts living in an extrovert world. There are the cautious, the meek, and those who tend to barrel the rest of us over with their exuberance and passion.

And here’s what’s beautiful: each of those approaches is ok. All may fit with the way we are each uniquely, divinely wired. What that then tells me is that there are far more than three approaches to life… maybe, quite possibly, even three zillion.

As the coffee shop conversations continued, the Intramuralist was born. My friend and I learned together that sharpening comes when we are willing to respect, honor, and learn from another’s approach. Let me be truly transparent, however; I don’t think as a society, we do that very well. We tend to hold onto to our own opinion, embolden it by camping in the vacuum of likeminded opinion, affirm it via biased news and resources, and then wholeheartedly deny or dismiss the validity of one of the other three-zillion-minus-one approaches. We, friends, are missing out. We are missing out on the sharpening that should come from one another.

In light of that backdrop, allow me to get to the point of the today’s post. Today I’d like to introduce one of my favorite events of the year, our annual Guest Writer Series. This is excellent!

Recognizing that none of us have it all figured out (and that none are going to have it all figured out, especially when exclusively immersed in the likeminded), the Guest Writer Series is a small manifestation of the Intramuralist’s mantra… that we can learn and grow from varied opinion, as long as that opinion is articulated in a way that is respectful of those who may not share the opinion. Yes, it’s true; it’s hard to learn from the person who is shouting at us; it’s hard to spend extended time with one who knowingly looks down on us because of what we believe.

In our annual summer series, you will find some ten/eleven persons who don’t all believe the same thing; they make up only a slight percentage of those three zillion approaches. But they are each committed to expressing their opinion in a way that is respectful of those who may disagree. That, is an incredibly beautiful, virtuous thing.  You will hear from men, women, and all sorts of professions. You will hear from persons in the public and private sector. You will hear from all sorts of demographic categories. And, of course, you will hear from people who approach life differently.

Do remember, that the opinions expressed may or may not be held by me; that’s not the point. While I have often published opinion that I did not hold nor agree with, the beauty of the Intramuralist is the recognition that agreement is secondary to respect. We can be sharpened through the respectful dialogue of diverse opinion.

Hence, while this semi-humble current events observer enjoys a bit of a summer respite, know that I will return in a few short weeks, refreshed and ready to roll. We have things to talk about!

Until then, enjoy this insightful series. I say again: it is excellent! Why? Because we are willing to learn from approaches different than our own. Fire up for Guest Writer #1, starting Tuesday.

Respectfully…
AR

07/28/2016

what we cannot see

One sentence.

That’s it.

Today, we’re going to go with just one sentence.

Want to guess what it is?

It is true that the Intramuralist has a special fondness for the following:

“Just do it.”
“Let your ‘yes’ mean ‘yes’ and your ‘no’ mean ‘no.’ ”
“Fire up!”
“Give me a second sentence.”
And, both “Who dey!” and “Boiler up!” (… go easy on me, please).

But today, after watching two weeks of conventions (yes, I watch them both) and being succumbed to the succeeding rants and raves on social media… watching people praise one candidate and tear town the other…

Watching the perceived increased racial tension and lack of respect for law enforcement…

And basically, watching the world go round, seemingly digressing in its polarized, intolerant state — an intolerance that exists on all sides because the one thing they aren’t tolerant of, is any legitimacy of the other side…

Watching all that, one sentence by a friend stood out to me this week. They said:

“We deny others their perspective because it does not match what we believe to be true.”

Let me say that again…

“We deny others their perspective because it does not match what we believe to be true.”

Whether we are left, right, or somewhere in between, we deny the legitimacy in another’s perspective because it does not match our own. We equate our opinion with wisdom and truth — and dismiss another as something lesser.

Friends, that dismissal is dividing our country, zapping our unity, and keeping us from loving all people well.

Whether our approach comes from the left or the right, we must quit denying what we cannot see.

Respectfully…
AR

07/26/201607/26/2016

all figured out

We think we know everything there is to know about a person. We think we totally get them. Once we’ve seen them act a certain way, treat others a certain way, or especially speak a certain way, that’s the box we put them into… as if they act, treat others, and speak to all people, always the same. We then base our so-called “boxes” on our often, unknown-to-be-limited perspective.

I get it. Sometimes people act that way more than once — maybe three, four, even five or six times. So by then, of course, as for me, I’ve got them all figured out. I know what makes them tick.

Let’s not even start on this year’s election and those running for president. I confess: many days I would tell you, even in hopeful humility, that I feel like I have them all figured out. I know why they say what they say — so calculated, strategic, and all with some hidden motive in mind. And when they say something that doesn’t fit with my creatively crafted narrative, I can give you a reason why they were not as they seem — why reality is wrong — and my perception is most accurate.

I’ll confess: I’m no huge fan of any left who are running for president nor all the justified demonization — but much of that has to do with the fact that I — and they — think we’ve got them all figured out.

So I must ask myself — extending this pondering past any polarized, election choice — where else do we do this? I’ll ask just for me: how much of my own perception becomes my reality for everyone else? … how much do I assume I know what other people mean and exactly what motivates them?

How much do I feel like I have them and their motives all figured out — negatively or positively — when my response is based more on incomplete perception than on confirmed reality?

Perhaps that’s easy to do with those we only see on TV, read about on-line, or have zero in-depth relationship with. Yet the thought became more poignant to me over the weekend, since it came from one I know well…

As has been proudly referenced here multiple times, one of my greatest privileges in life is being blessed to be the parent of each of my boys — one being young master Joshua. Let’s be clear: Josh teaches me things I never would have known without him.

Josh is now 14, a freshman to be, and budding with the wisdom and zeal to always embrace what’s next. (“Livin’ the dream,” as he likes to say it. “It’s what I do.”) As known to most, Josh also has Down syndrome. That is not a negative; that is merely one part of the way Josh was remarkably and wonderfully made.

Sometimes, though, Josh and I struggle a bit to communicate effectively (which, I will add, seems relevant with most teenagers at some point in time). One example arose this past weekend.

Enjoying his newfound fluency on social media, Josh updated his Facebook status with a brief, simple statement. He wrote: “My don’t like my own face.”

I knew he meant “I don’t like” it, but I didn’t understand the motive for his statement. Like many, I assumed he was a little down on himself. Granted, he’s not one that stays down for long — one of the many things he does far better than me. But I would later go to him with the clear intent to console. Note: I assumed I had what he said all figured out.

My attempt was greeted with an immediate “you don’t understand.” But then very calmly and quietly, he meticulously pointed out to me in all seriousness, “Mom, too many people have figured out that I’m a superhero. I have to change that.”

Shhhh… don’t tell him I told you. It’s a bit of a secret between us. Besides, he’ll think you have him all figured out.

Respectfully…
AR

07/24/201607/24/2016

the gift of baseball

Everything I learned, I learned from baseball. Ok, not really. But baseball has given us much, especially in how we can apply it to today’s culture. Full disclosure notice: I will not do the topic justice today; the topic is perhaps too big and broad. Alas, no less, we shall offer a small glimpse, highlighting a bit of what we’ve learned…

Two opposing teams, each trying to win… Each, hopefully, playing their best…

There are rules. They are clear; there is a definite right and a definite wrong.

There is no such thing as moral relativity. Granted, an element of subjectivity does enter every playing field. The authority on the diamond, the umpire crew, is where the subjectivity surfaces, as umpires don’t always see things the same way as coaches. They often disagree with each other (sometimes vehemently), interpreting reality differently… especially that so-called strike that’s a little low and outside.

What’s ironic about the umpires is that they are actually paid for by the tournament hosts, hosts who receive their monies from the participating teams. Therefore, the on-field authority serves at the request of the players and teams. Checks and balances are everywhere. And checks and balances are good.

What’s also so attractive in this centuries old pastime is the boy who plays with everything he’s got… whether that be the focus or the hustle or his head in the game. It’s the giving of 110% all the time — the one who never “takes a play off.” While we each are often enamored with incredible talent, absent the focus, hustle, and head in the game, talent alone typically doesn’t spur on the greatest amounts of enthusiastic cheer.

Let me speak briefly to that cheer. Yes, there are two teams playing in direct competition with one another. Only one can win. But regardless of the score, regardless the impact on one’s own standing, most cheer for an excellent play. Most cheer, too, for an exiting pitcher. And most cheer still when the injured arise to their feet. Some things are bigger than baseball. And most know that.

Perhaps what’s best about young adult baseball is the end of the game. As the dirt’s finally settling with dust still in the air — not to mention that not-so-faint breeze of oh-so-sweaty sweat — the young men end the day by shaking hands and wishing their opponent well. “Good game,” is the frequent refrain. Perhaps there are times when those boys are totally gritting their teeth, unable to mean what they say in all sincerity. But they are young men — soon to be adults. They are training for what God has in store for them next. What’s next for each of them is that they will sometimes have to do what’s right even when they don’t feel like it. (Welcome to adulthood.)

This past Saturday, after 15 summers (and springs and falls) sitting in the stands with multiple sons utilizing their varied, solid skill sets, we finished what will probably be our last son’s last game of highly competitive baseball. “If these stands could speak,” I often wonder. I wonder all that they would utter, having witnessed arguably our best and our worst — and having been host to the building of some wonderful friendships. One of the best things about baseball is the brotherhood on the field — and the sweet, resulting camaraderie in the stands. In this game it truly does not matter if you are black, white, Christian, Jewish, etc. etc. There’s a clear realization that we’re all in this together.

After my son walked across the field, shaking those hands a final time, disappointed to have exited this tournament a game or two too soon, we were quickly able to be thankful for all we’ve learned. We packed up our stuff, pausing for hugs, high-fives, and warm wishes to many.

The last game. Of the last season. No doubt there’s something good in store for him next.

As we strolled to the car, I noticed his infectious, quiet smile that never totally left. We both knew the gift the years and the game had given.

Respectfully…
AR

07/20/201607/20/2016

stingy

Minimize, maximize. Maximize, minimize.

As my madre often articulates, “We judge others by their actions — ourselves by our intentions.” In other words, we see the worst in others but the best in ourselves. Extending that one step further, in this political climate, we see the best in one candidate but the worst in the other.

Geesh. (Can I get a collective “amen”?)

We are so stingy with our grace. If it’s self or the politically likeminded, we tend to adopt the “what difference does it make” attitude. We bestow so much upon them — including the benefit of the doubt, the magnified possibility of “mis-speaking,” and the gift of second, third, and far more numerous chances.

If it’s another or the politically unlikeminded, however, we seem the first to pick up the stone.

(I thus utter another “geesh.”)

I return to the primary point of today’s post: we are stingy with our grace.

On Monday at the Republican National Convention, Donald Trump’s wife, Melania, was accused of plagiarizing Michelle Obama’s speech from 2008. Out of 1,373 words, 4 to 6 sentences were strikingly similar. Allow me, no less, not to minimize nor maximize. Plagiarism is silly to me; I think people should speak for themselves; these are smart people. Hence, I think people should admit it if/when they (or their speechwriters) do it, as the reactions to the incidents are often worse than the incidents themselves. Plagiarism is something that then presidential candidate Barack Obama was accused of in 2007, borrowing from the sitting Governor of Massachusetts — and was the impetus for then Sen. Joe Biden exiting his first presidential campaign. Ensuring full disclosure, this semi-humble current events observer really likes Joe Biden; unfortunately, though, Biden was accused of a similar, far more extensive act in law school.

People don’t need to plagiarize. Obama, Biden, and the elegant Melania Trump — it is clear each has much to say on their own. Too often the speechwriters get in their way.

But as I was sorting and sifting through the news of this week, I was astounded that more than the other 1200 words, these few sentences became the focus of many. Some even suggested it was somehow racist… how dare she steal the words of a black woman…

I’ll say it again… Geesh (… can I get another collective “amen”?)

The words of a wise friend resonate with me…

“I don’t know if the use of those words was intentional or not, but the reaction to it seems a bit over the top… It appears that we choose and justify our emotions/reactions based on which candidate we most align ourselves, despite the significance of the issue.”

Yes, we see the worst in those whose politics are dissimilar — and the best in whom we are politically aligned.

Did Melania plagiarize?
Maybe.

Did she know it?
Maybe.

Were her speechwriters responsible?
Probably.

But do we hold ourselves and the people we agree with politically to the same standards?
No way.

Geesh. We are so stingy with our grace.

Here’s hoping for something better and more… from both of the conventions and from us.

Respectfully…
AR

07/19/2016

watch

I find myself pondering last week and the weeks ahead…

… the racial tension…
… the intentional ambushing of police…
… the Republican and Democrat national conventions…
… the attempted coup and crackdown in Turkey…
… more details surrounding the terrorist attack in France…
… the continued evil acts of ISIS and lack of containment…
… the awful rhetoric justified on our airwaves…
… the people who go after each other in social media…
… all who want to tell us how unethical Hillary Clinton is, ignoring any “unethical” in Donald Trump…
… all who want to tell us how unethical Donald Trump is, ignoring any “unethical” in Hillary Clinton…
… the tension…
… blinders…
… grief…
… and great strife…

I find myself sitting here thinking we are focusing too much on too little. We get so caught up in an aspect or angle, and then such becomes the only thing we can see or think about. It becomes the only thing that’s important to us. And thus, respect, listening, healthy dialogue, etc., they get thrown way behind on the priority back burner.

Let me be clear. By no means am I suggesting that any of the above are unimportant. Of course not. Each deserves our time, attention, reflection, and prayer. What I am instead posing is that sometimes we become so wrapped up — even in one thing that’s important — that we allow all else to crumble to the ground…

… We unfriend people… after a heated exchange, we suggest “we never knew them”…

… We justify insult…

… We say we don’t care who we hurt…

And then we do. We hurt other people. It’s the whole “mad as hell and not going to take it anymore” attitude. (Note: such attitude tends not to do well on the “winning friends and influencing people” idea. Just saying.)

On my recent birthday, after years of desire, I was given a long coveted watch. It was significantly pricier than most, but it was a splurge by my spouse wanting to honor me in a thoughtful, unordinary way. Three days after his gift, still moved by my hub’s generosity, I dropped the delicate timepiece in the wrong way at the wrong time at the wrong place, immediately smashing it into countless pieces. I was shocked…

I was shocked and mad and teary and upset, and I couldn’t believe what had just happened. I craved that for so long!!

And then I lost it.

After an extended gasp and a quick call to my spouse, he (demonstrating one of the multiple, wonderful reasons why I married him), immediately reminded me to keep what’s most important, most important… Don’t let it take on a life all of it’s own… Don’t let it totally derail you… Don’t let it cause you to lose sight of all else.

Yes, I am understandably very sad about my once new watch. Even though material, it was important to me. I don’t know if we will replace it.

But such circumstance and all the justified, accompanying emotion will not stand in the way of those many other important things…

… that still deserve my time, attention, reflection, and prayer.

Respectfully…
AR

07/16/201607/16/2016

birthday wishes

So it’s true… over the weekend was my birthday. Not the birthday of the Intramuralist (which, by the way shall turn 8 in November — which we will excitedly speak of then!), but my own date of birth.

A fascinating phenomena took place, no less…

Via cards, calls, texts, tweets, emails and Facebook wall posts, I was able to speak with several of you. That means a lot to me.

Years ago I can remember thinking something along the lines of… My time with each person on this Earth is limited… I want to make the most of every opportunity — maximize each moment… so whether at the salad bar in the grocery or sitting in those sweet and sweaty baseball stands, my desire is to utilize my God-given gifts to listen to and encourage whoever else may be there…

Maybe it’s the result of the strong, enduring influence by my parents and grandparents — including a wise preacher, teacher, and bartender. But every interaction is important to me. My desire is to encourage and sharpen well.

I thought about what I might wish for on my birthday… if I could wish anything…

Dream with me, if you will…

I want us to get along.

Call me sappy, sentimental, wishy-washy, you-name-it, but it’s my birthday; I get to choose what I want.

I’m truthfully not too keen on the idea — in this messy, messy world — that we can all somehow get along utilizing some of the more Band-Aid-like mantras — like, “let’s agree to disagree.” No, that doesn’t cut it for me. You see, the reality of the agree-to-disagree idea is that in the back of our minds, we know there’s still something we can’t talk about… You be there and I’ll be here, and we will never ever discuss that because I can’t stand the way you feel (… Hear the immediate “grrrrr” succeeding that thought…).

Hence, I don’t believe the agree-to-disagree mentality is a successful approach to our desire to somehow all get along.

So since it’s my birthday — or it at least was — let me share with you what I most want…

I want us to get along… by… respecting… where each of us currently is.

That’s it. We keep fighting. We keep speaking past each other. Our leaders keep speaking past each other. They and many of the current candidates seem to think the best way to solve the problems is to criticize and drown out the opposition, thinking solution only comes by winning more people to our so-called side.   I don’t believe that. I mean, my sense, is if you trounce me to get what you want, I will lose respect for you in the process. That’s not unity; that’s a unified facade.

I want us to respect where another is by allowing for the so-called evolution of opinion. While no doubt some have arguably used said terminology for perceived political expediency, I admit: some of my opinions have evolved through the years. Some things have become more important to me; some have become lesser.   But what’s so damning and damaging to our livelihood and unity is that we give no freedom for a person to evolve. We demand that they “feel like me now” (!!) — and when they don’t, we look down on them as if they are either ignorant, stupid, or something judgmentally worse.

Where is the freedom to evolve?

To me, that’s respect… recognizing that we’re not all on the same page at the same time and being ok with that.

That’s what I want.

(Yes, Happy Birthday.)

Respectfully… always…
AR

07/13/201607/13/2016

what’s true?

Just because we believe something to be true, does not make it true. Let me say that another way: belief is not synonymous with truth.

That said… emotions accompany our beliefs. But… since beliefs are not synonymous with truth, our emotions may also not be indicative of reality.

Hence, it depends what we’re putting into our heads and hearts.

What’s the ole’ saying? … “garbage in, garbage out”?

What we put into our heads and hearts matters. The challenge is that it’s hard to put in what’s actually true. We are inconsistent in our objectivity.

Take the current racial conflict, for example. How do we get to the truth about what’s really happening? … what’s an accurate perspective?

Simply sorting through a couple recent days’ headlines, I found this:

Injustices by Police Against Blacks Must Be Addressed
Time to End the Demonizing of Police
It’s Time for White People to Reckon With Racism
If You Don’t Want Cops to Shoot You, Don’t Resist Arrest
Why Black Americans Say Racism Persists: The Cops
The Big Racial Lie of the Anti-Cop Left
Enough Already With “All Lives Matter”
President Obama & the False Premises of Black Lives Matter
Black Lives Matter Is Our Civil Rights Movement
Black Lives Matter Spells Trouble for Democrats
Is a White Life Still Worth More Than a Black One?
Has Barack Obama Hurt Race Relations?
How We Got to the Brink of Civil War; How to Stop It
Racially Divisive Liberalism Comes Home to Roost
BlackLivesMatter’s Violent Tone Alienating Liberals Like Me

So tell me: how can we discern what’s true?

Driving through the Windy City last weekend, I saw one person’s bumper sticker that read: “TURN OFF FOX NEWS!” (… yes, it was in shouting form…). I get it. FOX is a known conservative news source. Here’s the problem. The sticker did not read: “TURN OFF FOX NEWS AND MSNBC!” It only called for the turning off of one.

MSNBC, among others, is a known progressive news source. If people believe that the only bias necessary to be turned off and tuned out is “only one,” then they are limiting what gets put into their heads and their hearts. There is thus an increased likelihood that their perspective surrounding a certain scenario is based more on bias than on truth.

Let me add that part of the challenge for each of us is that it’s hard to discern objective news and a consistently objective news source. Ironically, all of the headlines shared above are from a singular source (www.RealClearPolitics.com). But at least by looking at both the left and the right, I can form a hopefully more objective, accurate perspective.

Objectivity is key.

Still looking for that on a bumper sticker.

Respectfully…
AR