Not a day goes by that I don’t rail about something. I’ve used precious time during lunches with my son to moan and groan about the D.C. mess.
Rarely can I watch a news cast and not respond, “What…???!!!”
My husband’s heard it all.
So how can we change the discourse?
Our communities, our neighborhoods, our neighbors, friends, and family are all facing challenges not expected, never imagined, challenges that have gotten bigger and bigger, more and more complex.
In response, debates and discussions divide, demean, and deter, often helping no one, solving nothing.
Every poll confirms our divisions. Every news cycle increases the volume.
We can no longer talk about important subjects.
We’ve lost our ability to think through difficult issues.
We avoid discussions about topics with no easy answers.
It’s disheartening, isn’t it? Because we care. We care about our communities, our neighborhood, our neighbors, friends, and family. We want change. We want to change the discourse.
So how can we change the discourse?
Like you, I want to change the dialog, to change the discourse, but to do so, I’ve got to start with myself.
Like so many, I assume the mess, the gridlock, the divisiveness, the partisan politics, the soundbites will continue, and it will unless the conversation and our expectations change.
I know a bill doesn’t become law like it said in our 5th grade social studies book. I also know that the issues at hand deserve thoughtful, rational, careful deliberations.
That much we know. I also know that to make change, it has to begin with me.
In the YouTube link below, the Harlem Boys’ Choir sings “Let there be peace on earth and let it begin with me.” It’s a beautiful rendition and beautiful encouragement.
“Let There Be Peace on Earth” by Harlem Boys’ Choir
Reprinted from Fave Lifestyles
Deanna is the author of two books, Fruit of My Spirit and Signs in Life.
