If you don’t live under a rock, your integrity will be challenged this year.
But I have hope that we can be who we want (and claim) to be…
And, wouldn’t the Church radiantly reflecting Christ be a refreshing change? 😘
Here are some ways we can navigate this election year with integrity:
1️⃣ See People
There is no issue, no position, no perspective, no party, and no platform that is its own viable entity.
It is humans that are attached to everything oversimplified and distilled down to a set of bullet points.
Humans with complex stories and nuanced perspectives.
There are, factually and statistically speaking, very few radicals in this world.
Most of the people you’re going to encounter this year are layered and complex in their personhood and in their position.
And there is NOTHING that they can believe or think that gives you a license to dehumanize them.
So, SEE them.
2️⃣ Hear People
If someone says “I think razor wire in the water is inhumane”, don’t hear “I think our border should be entirely open”.
If someone says “I worry about women’s rights”, don’t hear “I hate unborn babies and want them to die”.
If someone says “My family’s livelihood comes from oil and gas”, don’t hear “Screw the environment, I don’t care about carbon emissions.”
Hear what people actually say and respect them enough to understand that it’s complicated.
And, if you’re struggling to understand, ask more questions.
3️⃣ Walk With People
Turn your gaze to your relationships, and live life beyond the headlines and the polls.
Laugh with people.
Cry with people.
Eat with people.
Host parties.
Bake casseroles when someone is having a hard time, and do a little dance with them when they achieve a victory.
Enjoy the small moments on regular days sitting around tables with people you love.
Talk about sports and theology and pop culture and books and tv shows.
Hold babies.
Give gifts.
Stop by for a coffee just because.
Love your people just like every other year.
Because you’ll never get this one back…
And who they vote for is the least interesting thing about them.
But I have hope that we can be who we want (and claim) to be…
And, wouldn’t the Church radiantly reflecting Christ be a refreshing change? 😘
Here are some ways we can navigate this election year with integrity:
1️⃣ See People
There is no issue, no position, no perspective, no party, and no platform that is its own viable entity.
It is humans that are attached to everything oversimplified and distilled down to a set of bullet points.
Humans with complex stories and nuanced perspectives.
There are, factually and statistically speaking, very few radicals in this world.
Most of the people you’re going to encounter this year are layered and complex in their personhood and in their position.
And there is NOTHING that they can believe or think that gives you a license to dehumanize them.
So, SEE them.
2️⃣ Hear People
If someone says “I think razor wire in the water is inhumane”, don’t hear “I think our border should be entirely open”.
If someone says “I worry about women’s rights”, don’t hear “I hate unborn babies and want them to die”.
If someone says “My family’s livelihood comes from oil and gas”, don’t hear “Screw the environment, I don’t care about carbon emissions.”
Hear what people actually say and respect them enough to understand that it’s complicated.
And, if you’re struggling to understand, ask more questions.
3️⃣ Walk With People
Turn your gaze to your relationships, and live life beyond the headlines and the polls.
Laugh with people.
Cry with people.
Eat with people.
Host parties.
Bake casseroles when someone is having a hard time, and do a little dance with them when they achieve a victory.
Enjoy the small moments on regular days sitting around tables with people you love.
Talk about sports and theology and pop culture and books and tv shows.
Hold babies.
Give gifts.
Stop by for a coffee just because.
Love your people just like every other year.
Because you’ll never get this one back…
And who they vote for is the least interesting thing about them.
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