I grew up with firm and fixed beliefs. Many centered on the ideals of our shared purpose of working towards the common good, higher calling exemplified by police and clergy, and the role of government to ensure that I along with others in the community would be safe and free to live. I knew there were exceptions, although the few exceptions always seemed far away.
As I think of how life has changed, recent events challenging the core of my convictions, I realize that there is little that remains of my young beliefs. Human weaknesses have stretched and pulled the young bonds of trust beyond their breaking points. Selfish and destructive personal agendas have forced the innocents to see and deal with a world with evil in action. The very institutions we were taught to trust have fallen short of their stated ideals. Nothing seems to be as one firmly believed it was and always would be.
I find myself coming back to three points of reference.
We live in a world filled with extreme beauty as well as things ugly. This reality makes the question you and I face in every moment even more important; what will we do in the moment we have?
There are promises and there are promises. It is easy to question. Amazing men and women have question leaders, institutions, and even God. Many have echoed one response attributed to divinity; “I’ve given my word, my whole and holy word; do you think I would lie to David?” (Psalm 89.35) Knowing who and when we can trust will continue to be difficult and problematic.
You and I are called to live, to take decisions, make choices, and be an active part of our communities. In the reality of the world around us, will we be examples of compassion and caring, will we defend the weak and the powerless, will we risk our own safety to give others hope and a chance?
I am convicted in the potential goodness of humanity. My goal is to live for, nurture, and protect this goodness.
