In an unprecedented dark time, we desperately need a balm to dress our wounds and heal our spirits. For many of us, our trust in government and democracy has been shattered. Where are the leaders who are honest with the American people and shoulder their responsibilities with dignity and grace? We hope that day is soon upon us.
How do we bring hope and inspiration to our communities? First, acknowledge that words have great force-- they matter. Words also inspire action. We cannot be careless with inflammatory rhetoric, no matter how much we disagree with someone else’s principles or ideas. The reverse is also true. Consider how healing and uplifting your words can be, even one-on-one.
Guess the speakers: “It’s time to put away the harsh rhetoric, lower the temperature... Listen to each other again. And to make progress, we have to stop treating our opponents as enemies. They are not our enemies. They are Americans…This is the time to heal in America.” (President-Elect Joe Biden)
“Rare is a man with such professional distinction, intellect and personal conviction for the well-being of family, neighbors, and strangers alike, who carries himself with such humility... If you’ve had the pleasure of being with Rob at a gathering, you know where to find him at the end of the night, staying behind to help gather the chairs.” (Mitt Romney’s remarks on the retirement of Rob Bishop, R-Utah)
During this new year, may we commit to communicating with integrity and compassion. As Vera Nazarian said, “The world is shaped by two things—stories told and the memories they leave behind.” Make your stories illuminate and lift the human spirit.