It would be funny if it weren’t so serious. Voters in five counties in so-called “liberal left-leaning” Oregon have approved a ballot measure to leave Oregon and join Idaho, a state that is far more conservative because they feel their interests are not being served. This is another sign of the dysfunctional politics that has separated neighbor from neighbor and fractured churches.
The political divide, not just in places like Oregon, but across the country, has become so serious that people want to live only in their own small enclaves. This doesn’t bode well for democracy but just as importantly, this doesn’t bode well for the way we think and act with other persons.
It is not easy to listen to the political opinions of others especially if you believe they are reprehensible. Sometimes listening with patience can help one understand the root of deeply held beliefs, even those that are just plain wrong. But like weeds, unless we dig up the plant with all of its roots, we have little chance of destroying the weed.
Prayer for the Day
Holy One, we do not seek you as a distant deity,
But as a vibrant living Presence in our lives.
We are more haunted by our fears than buttressed by your hope,
We want to be followers of Jesus but our ideals falter.
Help us, to catch a glimpse of your truth so that we live boldly
Expanding our vision of your justice and your peace.
As did the one who shows us the way to real faith,
Even Christ Jesus our Lord, Amen.
Thoughts for the Day
Too often we underestimate the power of a touch, a smile, a kind word, a listening ear, an honest compliment, or the smallest act of caring, all of which have the potential to turn a life around.
Leo Buscaglia, American writer (1924-1998)
So many words get lost. They leave the mouth and lose their courage, wandering aimlessly until they are swept into the gutter like dead leaves. On rainy days, you can hear their chorus rushing past.
Nicole Krauss, American writer
I call upon you, O Lord; come quickly to me; give ear to my voice when I call to you.
Let my prayer be counted as incense before you, and the lifting of my hands an
Evening sacrifice.
Set a guard over my mouth, O Lord, keep watch over the door of my lips.
Psalm 141: 1-3