A voice for those without, an advocate for those knocked down, a willingness to take the hit for the bruised and battered, a heart made to be broken.
I was created to love. So what does love look like? Well, it seems to me that as a society, as a whole we have come up with our own view and model of perfect love. Here's where I tick off a lot of folks...
I am fed up with all of the excuses and hypocritical ways we as a society are willing to show (what we call) love. Words are empty until followed up with action, love is not felt if shadowed with conditions, trust is not given if relationships are not built.
Finding value in people is the right thing to do. All the rest is mere details. That's where we get stuck though, isn't it? We so badly want to the details to be on our terms, in our timing and never against what we believe to be okay. Well, there went the love, trust, and respect we so passionately said we give ever so freely as well as any hope of receiving it in return.
One cannot open up any social media, or watch the news without seeing the accepted hate and "in the name of....." garbage as thought to be valid excuses to tear others down. It sickens me to see this lack of value seen in our fellow mankind. If you are obsessed with others way of life, beliefs, or choices to the point of constant ridicule, might I suggest looking at yourself! Without a doubt an inward look will reveal the real problem.
Far too many issues are out there to list, however here's a few...
The Big Bathroom Debate: - my thought - I've never once stopped to ask to check and see whats under another persons clothes, so I'm not sure if I have been peeing with boys or girls. Truthfully, I'm just glad I didn't wet my pants.
Refugees: SERIOUSLY! Don't visit my house if this is an area on contention for you. You may feel surrounded.
Black lives matter: Again, please don't visit as you will be outnumbered and they all do play with squirt guns.
Police lives matter: Yep, they do! We, including the African, African/American, American Indian, and who knows, support our police and think they matter.
Confused yet??
Homosexuality: Yep, you guessed it. We have one of 'those' too. Now as you are all freaking out and praying for the deliverance of one of the dear Neal children. I will tell you that it is my adopted sister.
I could go on and on and on.
Sadly I hear people say "I have to be careful about what I say around certain people". My response to that is "why"? If what we say comes from a spirit of unconditional, authentic love then why the need to be careful?
Bottom line is that people, all people matter. Actually they still matter if others don't agree. Our opinions of others don't make their reality. If we want our opinions to matter and our words to be heard then we might try saying them with more love and less hate. Love is easier to hear than the deafening screams of hate.