“The greatest works of our Nation’s founders lay not in documents and in declarations, but in creative, determined action.” President John F. Kennedy
Happy Monday!
I hope your weekend was exceptional! Today’s the last day in June, bringing us right into the week of the Fourth of July. Not only is it a long weekend, but it’s a celebration of our Nation’s independence. It’s a time when we reflect on what makes our country unique and the good things we have to offer our citizens and others around the world.
Now, in this current world climate, we all have our opinions on what that looks like and may all be able to justify our positions. However, please indulge me for just a few minutes and set aside your differing agendas to consider a broader perspective. I ask because of a conversation I had with a 20-something individual early last week, as well as another I had with an older person later in the week.
The young person was having significant anxiety around world affairs and was convinced we were experiencing significant apocalyptic events that made them wonder whether or not they should continue with their education or just get a job, dig in, and wait for the end to come. The older person has been experiencing some unusual setbacks and was questioning whether or not they were being prepared to die due to the difficulties and seemingly hopeless situation they were facing.
In both cases, my role was to help each of them step back and see their lives from a broader, 10,000-foot perspective, rather than the close-up view from which they were looking. You see, we live in a country with such a vast stream of resources and options that there’s almost always a Plan B, C, or D to help us out of a difficult situation. We need only be creative and bold enough to advocate for ourselves and keep asking questions until we find a way out of our current discomfort. And your particular brand of politics really doesn’t matter. There are governmental agencies, non-profits, faith-based organizations, and independent agencies of all genres at the ready to assist, because we have the freedom in this country to stand for the things that are important to us.
I’m particularly fond of this quote from President Kennedy:
The two individuals I was talking with needed help in taking action. They were stuck in the throes of anxiety and caught in the downward spiral that keeps us from clear thinking. A little encouragement, a bit of perspective, a touch of hope, and both were off again on an adventure to create new beginnings for themselves instead of finding ways to prepare for the end. It was incredible to witness, and all it took was a little nudge in a more positive direction, knowing that many resources are available because so many have worked hard to ensure our freedoms here in this country.
There’s a passage in Scripture that says:
“And, you shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.” John 8:32 (NKJV)
I believe this applies to many areas of our lives, not just to faith. There’s truth in knowing that our freedoms include thought, speech, worship, demonstration, perspective, assistance, and so much more that others in the world aren’t privy to. I hope you’re able to celebrate your freedoms this week. And I hope those freedoms include tolerance and acceptance of things that may not come naturally to you.
I hope you seek to understand if there are any areas where you’re limited and work to expand your knowledge. I also encourage you to share what you know and cherish with others who are eager to learn about your strengths, skills, gifts, and talents. We all need to create space for one another and learn from each other to build a more inclusive world where kindness and healing are highly valued.
Happy 4th of July!
Be Well & Be Blessed!
Lucinda
