How do we do this?

I’ve recently been rereading several of the audio book series that Brad introduced me to over the years. They are quite diverse. However, the ending of one particular book the other day brought me to tears with something that you might not expect: the wonder of human decency.

Somehow, we humans seem to have lost our ability to simply care about one another. To realize that it is our responsibility to protect and aid others with whom we come into contact (and sometimes people we may never even know). We have lost our honor – our compassion – our consideration. And with all these things, in many ways we have lost our hope.

Maybe the honest truth is that not nearly as many people truly had these things as I thought to begin with, but my prayer is that is not correct.

I am convinced that our only way forward is together. And Lord knows we need to find some way forward because our world is in a terrible mess.

But rather than to see the forest through the trees, or to even seek it, we tend to throw blame around as quickly as is possible. Then to hold it with white-knuckled force for as long as we can. Here is the thing: blame will not get us very far. It will, in fact, hold us solidly, stagnantly in place. In fear. In anger. In pain.

What our world needs is for us to move.

We were always meant to grow. To change. To evolve. We do those things best in love and in hope. When we take responsibility for who we are and how we can show compassion, consideration, caring, protection, aid, and honor to all of our human siblings. Finding enough humility to realize that the world does not revolve only around us as individuals and our needs. And using our freedom the way that God intends us to: not as a chance for self-indulgence, but as an opportunity to become servants to one another. (That one’s not me.That’s Galatians.)