The battle within us

I found myself relaxing, a short time ago, thinking about the present state of many of our communities throughout our region and on a broader sense, nationally.

Stephens

I began thumbing through a historic book my wife has, which is primarily dedicated to the history of our fine country. As I shuffled through the glossy pages, I came to the section, which described many events associated with the Civil War era.

Now don’t get me wrong, I do not feel, nor will I state, we are nearing a fateful time such as our ancestors experienced during that era.

What I found interesting is, as I read about that era, I was able to draw some unfortunate inferences and correlations to our present day.

As the pages turned, I explored issues of broken trust, anger, exclusion, and disagreement. I discovered instances where siblings, family members, friends, and neighbors ended up on the opposite side of issues and hence battled one another, most certainly, emotionally, intellectually and at times physically.

My mind quickly traversed the topic. I began thinking about how seemingly polarized our communities have become over the past few years.

Recently, in many cases, it seems, our social groups have shifted to that of political party, basic beliefs, and thought patterns rather than community, tradition and, or common fairness.

Our time is rattled with instances where brothers differ in viewpoints and friends discontinue their associations due to a simple difference of point of view.

I have watched as friends who know the heart and soul of the one they once called a friend, now can’t look in the direction of that person because of an anger brewing intensely, deep inside, over a difference of opinion.

I see it is much more acceptable today to destroy our opponent rather than to win with grace, say a prayer, and provide a hand up to those we oppose.

I’ve watched families broken and associations torn, merely because someone chose to view things or live a life a bit differently.

It has become so easy to hate rather than to accept. So much easier to lash out rather than pause for contemplation. As I ponder the state we find ourselves in at moments I wonder how we have so rapidly lost sight of the principles, generations before us instilled upon you and I.

I recall my beloved mother sharing an event that took place in the lives of my great-grandparents. She described that my great-grandmother Daniels was very sick and remained home rather than attending the weekly church service she was accustomed to. Being devoutly faith driven this was a time of angst for her and the added pressure from neighbors criticizing her for her failure to attend services was taking a toll upon her.

My mother went on to describe how when great-grandma Herrington heard the discourse, and the condition her friend was in, she voiced that she had had enough. She promptly rose to her feet, prepared a meal and walked up the holler to the Daniels homestead and remained by great-grandma Daniels’ side the entire day.

Grandma Herrington, reportedly was then heard portraying to her children and grandchildren that the important thing in life is not being at events or views, but rather being there for others in their time of need.

This historic recollection of the events that unfolded in Van Buren, a short time after the turn of the century holds so many truths we can grasp onto today.

Today is a time of passion, and we all have things we are truly passionate about. No one should find fault in that. We must not lose sight of the fact that although we differ, the important thing is our humanity.

I spoke to a group of middle school boys a few weeks ago, and I recall describing that as men we have a responsibility. I shared the importance of being a true man and treating others in an acceptable manner.

We discussed rising above what was expected and or considered acceptable. The young men were challenged to allow the change to begin with them.

I would challenge us all, starting with me, to lay aside our times of discourse and disagreement and allow the true face of America and Southeast Missouri to show through as an example.

If we disagree, as we may, we can still keep in mind the value we hold as a human and fellow citizen.

As an official it matters not what color you are, what clothes you wear or your belief structure. If my personal views differ from yours, that has no consequence for I will gladly be there in your time of need.

Because you, my friends, are the area of importance. I for one am glad we are different; I can learn from each of you… if I only open my mind to allow it.