I am tired. I have very little energy because the ALS robs me of that precious commodity each and every day. I struggle to breathe doing everyday tasks like putting on my clothes and taking a shower.
I am tired. Our country is so divided that people don’t tolerate another’s opinion. Just because I don’t agree with everything you believe, doesn’t make either one of us wrong, just a difference of opinion.
I am tired. Republicans taunting the recent election as though they won the world series. Remember, the party’s candidate (I don’t think he is a Republican) lost by 3,000,000 in the popular vote. Even if they were in New York and LA, they still count.
I am tired. Democrats continually saying they had more votes. It doesn’t matter, our electoral process protects (and gives them a voice) those in the “flyover” states that get forgotten or worse ignored in every election, except this one.
I am tired. People who were friends for years, won’t talk to each other because of an election. We used to be able to work together to achieve something better than when we do it by ourselves.
I am tired. Months after the election people are saying the president is not their president. I know many people said that the previous 8 years and they survived, you will too. I am not saying to stop protesting, that is the American way. But don’t be violent about it. Your message gets lost in that mess.
I am tired. I love people. God commands me to love others.”And you shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength.’ The second is this: ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself.’ There is no other commandment greater than these.” (Mark 12:30,31) The variety of people we have in the USA makes us unique and very special. Look at the last summer Olympics, our team was a kaleidoscope of colors, like our country, and no other country came close.
I am tired. I am dying and this is the America I am going to see as I die. It doesn’t have to be this way. We can choose to cooperate with each other and work together to understand each other’s opinion, not necessarily agree, but at least understand.
I am tired. I don’t want to leave this life with people continually fighting each other, I don’t see the benefit, but I don’t see it changing. It depends on all of us denying our selfishness and working towards a great good. Political parties are not going to get us there. Loving, caring and respectful relationships will.
I am tired. But only God knows how much longer I will live. I don’t want my friends to hate people who they don’t agree with. That is where we can grow the most, by truly listening. Listening without a response already planned before the other is done with their statement.
I am tired. But I’m not dead yet. I hope and pray for unity which will require sacrifice. I am looking at myself 1st. I am a sinful and selfish person. I want to meet you where you are, not where I am, but understand that we ALL have our own opinions, and mine are unique to me. My life and opinions are filtered through my life. They are mine alone.
If you know me at all, you know I am serious about this. You also know that I love people.
I love you.
Doug
