Differences

This week has been tough. Gone it seems are the days when different sides could just agree to disagree, when we didn’t cancel each other for those differences, no matter how vastly different. I miss the days when family and friends loved each other unconditionally, despite how wrong we feel they are. When we could proclaim our values and beliefs without worry that someone would turn on us, hate us, cancel us, delete us.

 

I am overwhelmed and hurt by the “If you do/don’t __fill in the blank__, then I want nothing to do with you” mentality. Both sides can live in bubbles and not be willing to understand. Why is it no longer safe to express one’s beliefs? I can discuss my beliefs in a God who loves all people and a Christ who wants to redeem them all, but I don’t demand anyone accept that and I certainly wouldn’t hold it against them for not wanting to accept it. In this country more than any other, it is your freedom to believe whatever you choose to believe. 

 

I didn’t know much about Charlie Kirk before September 10th because I’d been out of the political loop for a while. So, curiosity got me doing my own investigating. And what I’ve found is a man who loved God, loved family, loved his country, loved people, all with all he had. A man who accepted anyone who wanted to ask him hard questions. A man who loved all people, right, left, black, white, men, women. He had a desire to tell them about a different way to live. But, he never used hate against them, always told them they were given the right to choose. They chose to show up to his events, they sure weren’t forced to be there. And, honestly, I believe most of them are seeking a better way.

The first murder in the Bible was brother against brother. Two different views on life and how it should be lived, jealously and revenge took the life of one and so it began. I am sad that anyone would celebrate an innocent person being murdered. It breaks my heart the things I’ve heard in my exploring. I am heartbroken that a young man felt it necessary to take a life and in the process destroy his own. But in the words of Erika, “I will forgive him!” Because that’s what we are called to do, because we must, because that’s where healing begins.

 

I raised my children to believe in a God who loves them, who values them, who accepts them unconditionally. I instilled values of loving God, loving your neighbor, loving your country, working hard, being kind. If we want to be accepted, we must be accepting. There is a difference, accepting the person doesn’t mean accepting their beliefs and values. When faced with opposition choose LOVING over BEING RIGHT. Jesus didn’t force anyone to his side. He invited and if rejected sent them on their way. God gave us all the power to choose. It’s a valuable freedom in this country, as well, the right to choose who you want to be. 

 

And I hope all my family and friends know that no matter what, I love you and accept you. I won’t cancel you or turn my back on you. Our values may differ, our beliefs may differ, our faith may differ, our politics may differ, but you will always be loved.