A Cup of Conversation – December 2018/January 2019

“A house divided cannot stand…”  ~Abraham Lincoln 

“How sad it is that we give up on people who are just like us.” ~Mr. Rogers, Mr. Rogers Neighborhood  

“Nothing in all the world is more dangerous than sincere ignorance and conscientious stupidity.” ~Martin Luther King, Jr. 

“Every kingdom divided against itself is brought to desolation…” ~Matt 12:26

The elections are over. Good thing because I’m sick of navigating the base nature of people seeking power and relevance through the strong arm of the state, local government and beyond. Sick to death. Call me simplistic but shouldn’t the individual empower his self without piggy-backing a power not necessarily his own? Even in a healthy republic, power is ultimately enforced staring down the barrel of a gun. Sound extreme? Break the law, resist arrest then see what happens.

It’s a dangerous world filled with bad people seeking harm. I’m grateful for the rule of law. I’m not grateful for those using this benevolent power for less than benevolent reasons. Usurping power of the state or city to force good neighbors to submit to another’s petty will is not a benevolent reason. Thoughtful, good and measured use of power is like a warm, comforting fire in a stone fireplace. Let that flame into the living room and see what happens.

It’s time for us to get back to running our own lives and cease attempting to control our neighbor. Pay close attention to the periphery of power and those straining to wield it but focus on the road ahead of you. Work hard, invest wisely our time, resources and a generous spirit. Do not spend one moment looking over neighbors’ fences. There’s plenty enough to improve upon in our own backyard.

Abraham Lincoln understood a nation can’t survive divided by the color of man’s skin. Abe wasn’t going to cure that particular sickness in his lifetime but he could hold the nation together long enough for future generations to see all men heal with the hope and promise of freedom to pursue happiness.

Mr. Rogers had no edges for critics to grab hold of and use against him. He used kindness and the universal treaty of a child’s innocence to teach adults the higher virtue of civility.

Dr. King saw evil in an honest lack of knowledge of another’s plight exasperated by foolish meddling. Does that sound familiar?

Jesus knew what was in the divisive, cynical heart of man and was very measured in words. He saw in a millisecond the end of man divided and taught the masses in parables to encourage those willing to draw near and take a closer look.

At the end of the day, we’re all in the same fragile boat. Rock the boat enough and it will capsize. Respect your neighbor. He has plenty of pain you don’t see so be careful what we envy. Defend my right to live free from your judgement and I’ll defend yours. Lastly, don’t forget to check the fireplace. The heirloom rug is smoldering.

Be good not bitter