Making a Difference

Aching to make a difference. Yearning to do so. What is good and what bad, what needs help to fix? What can we do to make a more perfect union in our own country? What is our global role in the ills that bedevil the world community?


What can we repair? What should we fix? What intervention should we avoid? Anything? If yes, why? What is the rationale for leaving a problem unattended?


In all of this, what kind of country do we want for ourselves? Is that a distortion of what our historical roots say we are? Are we messing around with things we ought not?


Such questions are necessary. They are bold. They seek discernment of what is important and what is not. Then too, what is our business and what isn’t?


We will not know how this discussion will unfold unless we jump into it. Some of us have. The results to date are discouraging. Many people cry out in alarm that we are messing with things we shouldn’t. Abortion. Racism. Internationalism. Globalism. Immigration. Poverty. Criminal justice system. Equity and fairness. Justice.


I don’t know about you, but these are all fair game to me. If we say we are better people capable of doing miracles through collaboration and shared resources, then we have to address the what, who and how. Ignoring these things shows cowardice.


It also goes against all philosophies and theologies we have been taught through the ages.


Making a difference in the lives of others gives proof that we are alive and capable of good works. It announces that society is not all greedy and selfish. It claims that our nation cares about each person within our borders and outside of them.


The yearning for freedom and security is a universal need. Americans were raised knowing we could spread such freedom and security.


The question is: why have we relented on this quest?


If we do not answer the call to fulfill our potential, are we defaming what God-given talents and resources were provided us?


At what cost to ourselves do we pay for ignoring our birthright? Our possibility? The call to do the right thing?


February 25, 2020