Common Ground

Hello, dear reader. It's been a bit since I've written. The truth is that I've been a little overwhelmed with the weight of world events, domestic issues and politics. I want to stay informed. I also want peace. Some days, it's just easier to be ignorant but I can't live there. As I have shared, I write to make a little more sense of the world and to start conversations, which are really different than debates. Today, I am just looking for common ground.

I did not vote for Trump. Some will call me a baby killer and question my faith. Let them.

I disclose this information to build a bridge not create a wall. People I love with all my heart voted for Trump and I love them just as fiercely as I did before the election. In fact, a lot of people voted for Trump, which is why he is in office, after, I might add, a peaceful transfer of power.

I just wonder if there are spaces where all of us, from whatever party, can stand in and say, "Yes, I agree with this idea." Maybe just ideas at first. Methods and strategy seem to be way down the road. Here are a few that I have been throwing against the wall.

Tariffs

Maybe I don't understand economic policy but to me, it seems like reciprocal tariffs make sense. You charge me 25%, I charge you 25% and each of us take the marbles we want and go home. Is there a space to create tariffs that are equal? Please educate me.

The War in Ukraine

Make no mistake, I stand with Ukraine. I also think if the US is making billions of dollars worth of contributions to Ukraine, it's not a bad idea to highly suggest that other European countries do the same. Is there a space where all European countries that are able to, start putting more skin in the game and start making the rubber hit the road? I have seen them line up at the starting line but have not heard much since.

Time and Energy

In the current administration, there seems to be a tremendous effort to define gender and dismiss curriculums citing Christian principles. Why isn't the cry to rescue the oppressed and stranger among us just as urgent and fervent?

Proverbs 31:8-9

"Speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves,

for the rights of all who are destitute.

9 Speak up and judge fairly;

defend the rights of the poor and needy.

Is there a space where we can agree that we need to take care of each other in immediate and tangible ways?

Discrimination has existed since the beginning of time and continues today. Because of these atrocities, many people were denied and continue to be denied opportunities, especially ones to advance their educations and/or to create generational wealth. Is there a space where we can agree that we need to do more than say, "Sorry about that?"

On a side note: currently, I am assisting a patron in getting his paperwork together to buy his first house. He's 68! I can't wait to do the happy dance when he gets an accepted offer!

Character Matters

I share this scripture as a reminder for others and myself that words have power. How you choose to speak reflects your character. The standard is high. No slurs, no slander.

David writes in Psalm 15:

Lord, who may dwell in your sacred tent?

Who may live on your holy mountain?

2 The one whose walk is blameless,

who does what is righteous,

who speaks the truth from their heart;

3 whose tongue utters no slander,

who does no wrong to a neighbor,

and casts no slur on others;

4 who despises a vile person

but honors those who fear the Lord;

who keeps an oath even when it hurts,

and does not change their mind;

5 who lends money to the poor without interest;

who does not accept a bribe against the innocent.

Whoever does these things

will never be shaken.

Is there a space where we can agree that speaking the truth in love means that we need to have both truth and love in our speech? Both sides of the aisle need to set down the stones. None of us get it right all of the time. Collectively, we can do better.

I saw a post on X from the President in which he referred to himself: "Long live the king!" It was his verified account and not AI generated. It reminded me of an account in the Bible in the book of first Samuel chapter 8, where the Israelites request a king. After praying to the Lord, Samuel tries to warn them about what will happen and what the king will claim as his rights. In the end, the people get a king. According to more than one source, of the 20 kings of Judah, only 8 were considered righteous and all of the kings of Israel were recorded as wicked in some way.

I believe that God is in control. Nothing happens without His knowledge. I also believe that sometimes He gives the people what they want so they can grow through the consequences. My hope is that the self-proclaimed "king", who has been elected, proves to be a righteous one. In the meantime, I will follow the only King I know and find all the common ground I can. I would love to have a conversation and have more hope to hang on to.

Coffee talk question: What spaces do you believe we can all agree on?