Creating division has been on my mind for awhile. I started writing this post back in early 2019 before I started on my surgical journey. This has been stuck it in draft mode for too long. Like many posts that are in draft I have not found the energy to come back to them. I have over 100 posts in draft and today I decided to start looking at them and start tackling the writing that I have intended to do.
Creating division seems to be a sport as of late. I see it everywhere, in social situation, the media, schools and families, including my own. You either agree with me or you are the enemy. I see it everywhere. My timeline on Facebook, my feed on Twitter and in several groups that I am involved in. Where have we lost the ability to still like someone who doesn’t agree with us 100% of the time?
Everyone feels like they have to be “the one” to be the revolutionary force to change the world. Yet we forget that often it is changing the world for one person who will in return do that for others is where the power is. It isn’t all that glorious and perhaps that is where the problem lies. The need for glory.
Creating Division is Easy
The true magic is in creating unity, finding ways to celebrate differences and loving everyone. That isn’t easy. A friend of mine recently asked “do you like x” and I hemmed. They persisted “okay be honest with me because I heard from someone else that x has rubbed them the wrong way and I want to know what you think.” I simply stated that because we are friends, I try and keep an open opinion about x, yet they have not made me completely comfortable.
They were surprised that I hadn’t said anything until pressed. To me this is what being Spiritual is all about. They hadn’t done anything overtly to offend me, I just don’t agree with them all the time. Never the less, I show them respect and go on with my life. I don’t have to cause a problem for someone else just because I don’t care for someone’s energy. There is no need so I just move on.
Yes Respect is Earned
As much as it is earned, there is a certain amount that is given on the outset of an interaction with someone else. Not everyone can do that. This human experience is why we are here. To learn to deal with difficult situations with grace. So many people just have not learned this and the divisions grow wider and more hostile as time goes by. I have not always been that way. My experiences have changed my behavior and I work on this daily.
Division Requires Our Participation
Next time you experience someone trying to create division, stop because this is your opportunity to grow. Take a few moments and evaluate what you are feeling. This is your time to use critical thinking, do not trust everything at face value. Take the time to understand and do not rush to judgement. In doing so, you will find your own faith strengthened and renewed.
See if there is a reason to involve yourself, especially if it is harming another. If not, then sidestep the situation, send them love and carry on. Create opportunities for others to come together and be part of a loving world. The more that happens will result in kinder world.
