Politics in our country feels unsteady.
Where is the rainbow leading us now?
Maybe the rainbow points to a leader who will…
- be strong yet gentle
- be wise yet sensitive
- be powerful yet humble
- be inspiring yet grounded
So where is this leader?
Rage Tries to Force Change
In his great work, Masks of Love and Life, Hanns Sachs illustrates anger in America.
One of them hated open doors.
He would jump up and slam shut anything left open.
The other brother said, “One of these days, I’m going to lock you in a room with all the other doors open.”
Why did he say this?
Because his brother only wanted to see doors closed.
Polarization Shuts Down Dialogue
Last week, a group of anti-ICE activists stormed Cities Church in St. Paul, Minnesota.
They chose disruption over discourse.
All that does is close doors and deepen public anger.
Is this the way to express legitimate grievances, such as concerns about immigration policy?
By pounding on doors with outrage?
Ironically, the agitators undermine their own moral message by intruding on others’ rights.
When Anger Simmers
Maybe we pound closed doors because we are trapped in anger.
People are afraid when they are threatened.
That’s normal, whether or not the threat is real or perceived.
Fear touches all of us.
- Fear of change
- Fear of strangers
- Fear of moving on
Even the fear of moving through an open door.
Once you’re scarred, your mind is closed, “It’s just this room! And these four walls! And this is all there is! Don’t move out there beyond these viewpoints! Don’t get contaminated out there! Close it off!”
Listening Instead of Threatening
Jesus Christ showed another way through an open door.
“Come to Me, all who are weary and heavy-laden, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For My yoke is easy and My burden is light.” Matthew 11:28-30
Gentle and humble.
What would happen if we chose that path?
People on all sides feel unheard, from worshippers to immigration-reform advocates.
The easy yoke is to stop shouting and start listening humbly.
Open the door.
Forgiveness Opens the First Door
Can you imagine the U.S. if everyone acknowledged each other’s pain?
If different sides dropped their rage for closed doors and listened without immediately reacting?
Only God knows the fullest extent of our pain.
And He comes knocking on our door to heal all of the sorrow.
So let’s open the door and reach toward each other in peace.
And then go forward, putting others’ needs before our own.
What is one door you feel prompted to open this week?
Nice message Steve. I am gravely concerned about the tone of much of discourse in our society presently.
Me too. I’m working on another post that addresses the angry discourse with a lasting solution. I find the latest cooperation with Walz and Trump encouraging.
Excellent offering
Thank you Steve.