So I went on out to the No Kings Rally on Saturday, and while I didn’t have too many conversations with people, I did find it interesting to see the many signs and what they had written on them.  There were a few inappropriate signs, but the majority had a question, point of view or political position.  It is interesting to see someone carry a sign, because typically they are writing about something that has deep meaning for them. It’s a bit of wearing their “heart on their sleeve.”  And that is just not how we live our lives.  So many of us have only a vague notion of the heart of the person sitting next to us.  They may be our co-worker, neighbor, grocery clerk or any other of the multitudes we do life with every day.  We say hello or help out so many people that we don’t even know every day.  And not once do we ever ask their stand on a position before we say “hello”.  

Why do we build barriers between ourselves?  Don’t get me wrong…. I know there are issues where we disagree that are important.   The funny thing is, if you ask most people it’s not really what they want that is the problem, but how we get there.  We want freedom, good schools, safe neighborhoods and jobs that will pay the bills and give a sense of worth.  I think most of us would want to a good life for ourselves  AND our neighbors…. We just can’t seem to decide which “ism” gets us there.  And I guess I am getting to the place where I think all “isms” don’t work.  Whether it is socialism and yes….even capitalism are systems that can easily become monsters in the hands of the wrong people.  And that is where the problem lies with us.  Our problem is….. We the People.  

The amazing thing is though, that the answer to the problem is just the same…We the People.  

Jesus replied, “‘You must love the Lord your God with all your heart, all your soul, and all your mind.’ This is the first and greatest commandment. A second is equally important: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’   Matthew 22: 37-39

So instead of getting upset and not talking to those around you, try doing some listening.  Find the common ground we all share and start breaking down the barriers we’ve built.   We are neighbors…. We are not enemies.  

And until we each look at ourself and see where we have been wrong and embrace humility, we will continue to be used by the great evil that is in this world.  

Come on y’all…..“Don’t get fooled again!”