Just Thinking

 I've been thinking -- contemplating much more these days. Sometimes I think thoughts that might be worth sharing. Most of the time I doubt they would mean much to others as my thoughts are filtered through my experiences and would just be confusing without that same filter. However, more and more, I am trying to use the filter of the Holy Spirit -- The Christ living in me -- as I work through whatever thoughts are running through my mind. 

I think I'm really going to need to expand that filter to include my words and actions in the coming months as we (the United States) get closer to our elections. There is just so much nonsense and my first tendency is always to call out the bullshit when I see it. The drawback to that approach is that people will rarely listen to your reason after you've told them that they're full of shit. 

There's also the consideration that some relationships (most all relationships) are worth more than being right in a political argument, and so we put on our boots and dance through the manure like walking through the cattle barns at a county fair. Since my thoughts are filtered through my experiences, it's safe to assume that other's thoughts are filtered through their experiences. Rather than argue over the subject, perhaps a better approach would be to change the filter or perspective being used.

Not gonna lie -- this is going to take some practice.

I am becoming less likely to just scroll past inflammatory posts on social media. I somehow feel the need to call out false or misleading posts. How do I do that in a way that doesn't destroy relationships? Many posts have an element of truth along with elements of division and hate. Here's an example that I saw yesterday. I scrolled past it, but wonder if I should have said something.

While I certainly agree with some of what is written here, I am forced to see this as a hate centered post that bristles with nationalism and xenophobia rather than one of simple national pride.

Why? Because I've lived here for 60 years. I've lived in five different states, large cities and rural towns, traveled to the majority of states, have relatives from coast to coast and don't know a single case of someone actually being faced with having to set aside customs, beliefs, foods, flags, religion, etc. I don't think of Christianity as America's religion, but I've never believed that I've been in any danger for my beliefs in it nor from a freedom not to believe in it.

I understand that this is a relatively small sampling of our society, but I would be interested to know if I'm wrong about this. Has anyone experienced being forced not to celebrate, worship, etc., as described in this meme? Don't bother with "I know a guy..." stories. I'm asking about you, personally.

Somehow a threatening "...you are FREE TO LEAVE!!!!!" doesn't sound very unapologetically American to me.

Maybe I should just stay away from social media. It's going to be a long election season. 

John