Enough has been written about the fraught times we live in—I don’t have any brilliant addition to what we all know and experience OTD. And for the next two months, it will likely be even worse.
But I do have something to say about how we respond.
The Bible exhorts us, “If possible, so far as it depends on you, be at peace with all men” (Romans 12:18, New American Standard Bible). Peace, in the original Greek, means peace, quietness, rest—with the root meaning set at one again.
If possible.
So far as it depends on you.
Being at peace with others must start with me. It’s far too easy to complain about another’s viewpoint…or lawn sign. It’s far more difficult to look inward and see where I might be giving offense or creating chaos and noise. And in this time of mere split-seconds between thought and social media post, that moment of self-reflection is even more vital.
I was in junior high in California when the country was torn over Nixon and Watergate. If you wanted to make a point, you had to take a pen and a sheet of paper to write out your opinion and sign your name. Then you had to put it in an envelope, address it to your local paper, buy a stamp, and mail it. Days would go by, and you’d check the paper to see if the editor published your screed. I genuinely believe we were more thoughtful (if no less passionate) in those days because we had more time to think things through—and Wite-Out when we got a little too heated.
Today, we have drive-by commentary by cutely named, would-be editorialists without the desire for peace, or quietness, or rest…and very little interest in the fallout. How do we get out of the mess we’ve made?
If possible.
So far as it depends on you.
Fifty years after Watergate, I live on a quiet street in a Florida beach village. I only know my neighbors by waving at them when we take out the trash or when we’re walking dogs. Truth be told, I know more dog names than humans’. Everyone is friendly and laid back. But a few months ago, the lawn signs started to appear. I’m ashamed to admit my first response was, “Wow—I thought they were so nice” when I saw them, wondering how we’d interact going forward. I giggled to myself when I imagined only letting my dogs go to the bathroom on “those” lawns. When I saw my preferred candidate’s signs, I was pleased.
But then I stopped being ridiculous. Not one of these people was different from one day to the next. The nice woman with the yellow Labrador was no less friendly the day after putting out her sign. Nor was the guy with the Jack Russell terrier. They were all the same people—I just hadn’t pigeonholed them before now.
Is it possible to be at peace with my neighbors? Yes. Does it depend on me? More than a little. I choose how to view them and how to speak to them (and where to let my dog go to the bathroom). I am responsible for not creating chaos or disquiet. To be honest, I just don’t discuss politics with any of them. I confess I smile and sometimes give a little golf clap when I walk past the homes with my preferred candidate’s sign. But other than that, I take the old school approach to communication.
I don’t spit out vitriol on social media, ignoring the ripples of ugliness. I curate my comments (and my thoughts), acting as if I have to carefully pen them and sign my name.
Yes, there are issues that are far too weighty to ignore and I do not take a cavalier approach to their existence. Yes, this is likely the most consequential election of my lifetime. And no, peace cannot mean the absence of passion or values. I will do my talking at the ballot box—and I will continue to wave at my neighbors and say hello to their dogs when I can’t remember the humans’ names. And I will pray for rest and quietness.
St. Paul had it right. Take responsibility for myself because I’m the only one I can change. And if it’s possible, be at peace with everyone else.
Will you join me?
Thanks for this Cindy! It’s a good reminder. And no matter who wins the election, we all have to live with each other afterwards. I’d be curious to know if they would be as hospitable to you were you to put out a lawn sign…
I am not one to put labels on anything. Not my car, my yard, my skin.. I just don't... and for that very reason. I don't advertise anything. In todays culture, people don't want to know information to learn, but bait to crucify others. I feel like those who truly want to know what I think, what I am for or against can/ will ask it of me. I then also have the opportunity/responsibility to use discerment about who is asking and why, .. before I share. Not all who ask want to know me, but want something to weaponize.. and only listen for such.. not to understand. I am not interested in feuling the fires of mental arsonists. Some people feel that passion must also be reckless and destructive to be productive. I don't .. I won't participate in that.