I have to say, that election years are
a tough time to live in a social media fueled world! Everyday when I
log into Facebook I am prepared to see a lot of angry and hateful
posts. Like most people, my Facebook friends are a very diverse
group, some from grade school, some from college, some are past and
present coworkers and others are family. The majority of these people
are not a part of my “inner circle” so to speak. I don't see or
talk to them daily, it is just nice to know they are there and to
keep up with the highlights (and lowlights) they choose to share with
the world. Now, with that being said, it is safe to say that I am not
on the same page with all of these people. We are not necessarily
members of the same political party, nor do we all share the same
beliefs or morals but in one way or another, I share some kind of
connection with each of these people. A few weeks back Stephanie
wrote about how it is okay to not be friends with someone on Facebook
and I agree wholeheartedly with that; but I also know that you don't
have to agree with each person that you do choose to be friends with.
Since I am originally from East TN,
VOLS football is a common denominator between most folks there. It is
assumed that if you are from Knoxville, that you bleed orange! But,
occasionally, you run across that Gator lovin' East Tennessean and
you make a choice. Do you automatically dislike them because of their
choice, or do you choose to agree to disagree? Now, I am not saying
there won't always be that friendly rivalry and banter exchanged, but
most of the time, we can choose to disagree without sacrificing the
relationship.
So, why can't we do the same thing
with politics? There is no cut and dry answer. No wrong or right
answer. Believe me, I wish there was. We all have different
convictions and different reasons for why we choose the candidate we
choose. Just as we all have a reason our loyalties lie with one
sports team over another. Don't get me wrong, I am not trying to
downplay the importance of choosing the right Presidential Candidate
for yourself. I know that a lot more is on the line in that decision
than choosing who to root for on Saturday. But what I am doing is
asking you to not be so harsh towards others for making their own
choice. After all, that is what America is built on.
You ever heard the phrase, “You
catch more flies with honey than with vinegar”? Well, that is one
of those Southern Sayings that our momma's have always told us and I
think that it really just boils down to the Golden Rule and loving
others. You sure wouldn't want anyone to treat you poorly because of
what you believe, no matter what that is, so why do you find it
acceptable to do it to others? Not to mention, the best way to win
anyone over to your side, is through kindness. No one wants to be on
the same team as a hateful unaccepting person.
So, here is my challenge, agree to
disagree. Love each other anyway. Encourage each other. Pray for each
other. Open your eyes, your mind and most importantly your heart. See
things from the other side of the fence. If someone was to base your
character solely on your behavior related to the Presidential
Election, what kind of legacy would you be leaving behind? One of
love? Or one of hate and anger? Think on that for a while. Maybe it
is time we all just agree to disagree, don't you agree?