I have to admit that having political discussions right now is at the bottom of my list of fun things to do. People who voted differently than I did don’t seem to understand my perspective. And, honestly, I don’t understand theirs. I especially don’t understand the voters who feel as if their perspective is the one consecrated and sanctified by Jesus himself.
When an issue is made sacred, logic seems to go out the window. “I must believe this or else I will be betraying my faith. Betraying God.”
As you prepare to share meals with friends and family this holiday season, take a moment to assess whether or not you should engage in arguments, especially about politics or religion. If you chose to engage, remember that no one changes their mind in an instant, nor do we change our minds based on intellectual arguments alone.
What you can do is plant a seed for change. Stories are the best way to do that. Tell stories about what you have personally witnessed, or about how you have changed your perspective. You are unlikely to change the position of the most vocal person at the table, but other people are listening. The ones who say the least may need to hear your perspective the most. You may succeed in planting a seed with someone else, or you may be validating the experience of someone who is afraid to speak up.
Joni Miller is a writer, researcher, spiritual coach, and speaker who uses her knowledge, education, and love of all things spiritual to help others find their unique spiritual path. www.SpiritualGeography.net
Photo by Pixabay: https://www.pexels.com/photo/low-angle-view-of-cross-against-sky-at-night-257030/
