Don’t Stop Believin’

There have only been a few weeks in my life that needed hope more than this one. I’m not sure where it all started going wrong, but this week’s events have shown cracks in our foundation. Personal opinions and politics are upstaging people. Everyone I know is either despondent or angry. There doesn’t seem to be much middle ground these days.

I’m not sure if it’s a coincidence, intentionality, or just dumb luck that I have heard the song “Don’t Stop Believin'” by Journey several times since Wednesday. It may be a cheesy rock song from the 80s, but these days, I’ll take hope in any flavor I can find. I love that God talks to me through mulleted rock bands. However, I have concluded that there is one major flaw with this song. No one can sing it. Let me rephrase that. No one can sing it well. Steve Perry’s unique vocals are awe-inspiring, with high notes that are virtually impossible to sing along. Although we do all try, don’t we? 

I love the concept of making this country great, and it is a fundamental right of the American people to be empowered, educated, and to have control over their future – to have the opportunity for Life, Liberty, and the pursuit of Happiness. I am convinced that our country’s strength lies in that opportunity, and that strength comes from millions of unique, independent ideas and thoughts. 

But, this is where it gets tough. To receive the blessing of independent thoughts and dreams, we have to be okay with listening to different and new ideas, especially when they do not line up with our own. When we bully the process for personal gain, we as a community lose. Creatives need room to dream. Engineers need room for precision and process. Builders need room and time to produce. Thinkers need room to think. 

“The one who gets wisdom loves life; the one who cherishes understanding will soon prosper.” Proverbs 19:8

We were not created to be lemmings. 

I’m not sure how we will recover from this week’s events. But, I am sure that healing won’t happen with just more rules and litigation. Healing will begin with conversations rooted in love and boldness. This upcoming week, try to have a chat (not an argument) with someone with opposing viewpoints from you. When is the last time you asked someone why they were an atheist, a right-wing republican, a Muslim, a progressive democrat, a union rep, pro-immigration, anti-abortion, or heck, what their favorite Journey song is? I am 100% certain that you will learn at least one new thing about them.

We will get through this together. Be bold, be kind, and whatever you do, don’t stop believin’.

In His service and at yours!

~Shawn