As important information is, it is not enough. Although one may have the ultimate data, one does not always find truth. Even with information, data, and great analysis, one will not automatically discover the answer. Each is in its own right important. Each can contribute to the truth. Each will point to the goal we seek, regardless of our destination.
Experience and history suggest that answers can only be found when one emotionally responds to Truth’s invitation. Our hearts open our minds to truth. Our hearts give us the ability to see and experience truth. Our hearts open truth’s gateway into something more than data, information, and analysis.
The evidence behind this is that we know love is superior to any other emotion or fact. Human experience recognizes the void created when communities exists without love and mercy. We have seen mercy prevailing over justice. The gift of acceptance from a child is far stronger than any act of domination we might try to enforce. With all the evidence, our communities embrace policies of revenge, models of exploitation, and attitudes of superiority.
We know in our hearts, yet we let our minds continue to tell us something else.
When Christians remind us of Christ’s model of engaging with others, how “there is no disputing that—he appeared over and over again many times and places to those who had known him well in the Galilean years, and these same people continue to give witness that he is alive.” (Acts 13.31) We still doubt that such a person could exist.
When followers of Gandhi embrace patters of peace and non-violence, living out lives of compassion, we still hold onto our weapons in fear.
When devotees of Buddha center themselves and walk in quiet meditation, doing no harm to others, we still say nothing to those living under hands of oppression.
In the moment at hand, we will not change the world. We can let our hearts feel love’s embrace. We can give mercy to those around us. We can walk with compassion. Truth can shine through our lives.
