After this year of mass shootings, economic hi-jinks in Congress, hateful
political rhetoric leading up to the election, one absurd celebrity incident after
another, discord and division in every realm of our society, and failed
attempts at being a better people - I am tempted to be cynical about 2013. But
somewhere deep inside me there is still that kid who gathered with her family around
a table on New Year’s Day to eat black-eyed peas for good luck and share the
resolutions we made for the new year.
I have not really made personal resolutions the last few years because I
typically fail at keeping them within the first few months of the year. But
this year I want to try something new – I want to make some for our society. And
yes, we may fail in the first few months of the new year but I want to put them
out there anyway … and will continue to pray that we try to make them come
true.
First, let’s resolve to end the culture of obscene violence in our
society. Let’s end the sale of assault and assault-style weapons outside of the
police and military. Let’s end the production of and sale of high volume
ammunition clips. Let’s set an example as a culture that has been intimately damaged
by the slaughter of the innocents and chooses to do and be better as a result.
Let’s be a society that values life more than the 2nd amendment.
This does not preclude hunters from being able to hunt or cops and military
personnel from having the weapons they need to protect us but regular citizens
do not need assault weapons or high volume clips. Our society will be better
for it.
Second, let’s resolve to be more loving of one another. Let us take care
of those around us who are weak, mentally and physically impaired, destitute,
sick, and/or living in poverty. Let’s resolve to do the right thing for our
neighbors so that they feel love in their lives in ways that are profound and
personal. Let’s be willing to show mercy to those in need and not require some
means-test from them to be considered worthy of that help. Let’s be our best
selves and help others to be their best selves as well. Our society will be
better for it.
Third, let’s be more tolerant and accepting of those with whom we disagree
or with whom we have profound theological, political, or cultural differences.
Let’s look for our similarities instead of always focusing on the differences
first. Let’s be kinder to one another – in our real lives and in the digital
world. Let’s have civil conversations and listen to the opinions of the others
in our lives. And let’s show this to our children as the way to honor each
other’s uniqueness so that the next generation learns from us. Our society will
be better for it.
Fourth, let’s be a people of faith who trust each other again despite our diverse
faith traditions. Let us be a people who honor the faith of others in profound
and important ways while still being true to our own beliefs. Let’s be people
of faith who welcome the stranger, visit the imprisoned, help the sick, bring
the wounded stranger from the side of the road into a place of care, and accept
that we can make a difference in the lives of others by being true to the God
who love us all. Our society will be better for it.
Lastly, let’s be a people who are open to affirming the rights of others.
Let us see persons of color and work to right the injustices inflicted upon
them. Let us listen to the stories of injustice of the LGBT community and honor
them with acceptance and greater moves toward full inclusion. Let us hear the
desperation of kids in failing school systems and work to make things more just
for all kids needing to be educated. Let’s see the elderly and little kids as
the gifts they are and cherish them in ways that protect their safety and care
for their needs. And let us make the effort to be connected to each other – not
just on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram or Pinterest – but in real life. Let us
reach out and make a difference in our world. Our society will be better for
it.
Maybe we will fail at these … but isn't it worth the effort to try? And to
keep on trying no matter what?
Our society will be better for it.
(o)
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