Do you sense life is spinning out of control?
I do, especially when thinking about the “good old days” growing up in the exurbs of a major city decades ago. Life seemed simpler. Happier. Peaceful. But do my sentiments reflect what was really going on?
Not one bit. Here’s a sampling of what happened when I was a kid:
- A missile crisis
- Three assassinations
- The start and inglorious end to an unpopular war
- Riots
- Gas shortages, and
- A president’s resignation
1975 was especially unsettling. That spring, two sisters, Katherine and Sheila Lyon, disappeared without a trace from a suburban shopping mall. Child abductions didn’t happen then, or at least they went unreported.
Generational Turmoil: Nothing New Under the Sun
Throughout the unrest, adults in my life griped about the state of the nation, sometimes recalling their childhoods when they thought life was kinder, and people behaved more civilly.
But people have never behaved.
In the 30 years leading up to the Civil War, for example, Congress was a violent place. Representative Preston Brooks caned Senator Charles Sumner into unconsciousness on the Senate floor in 1856. Two years later, a mass brawl erupted between Northerners and Southerners in the House.
From reading the congressional record, American historian Joanne Freeman discovered about 70 violent incidents where fists flew, and guns and knives were drawn. Their behavior reflected the state of the nation, she says.
Indeed, each generation has lived through societal and economic turmoil, despite what our minds recall. Ecclesiastes 1:9 says it well: “What has been will be again, what has been done will be done again; there is nothing new under the sun.”
Is It Getting Worse?
But do you sense our society has become especially unhinged in recent years and wonder if social media is to blame? Hiding behind their avatars, people say just about anything. And a lot of it is unhelpful.
The news is also toxic. Scan any publication, regardless of its political slant, and you’re pummeled with negativity and disturbing trends. Suicides are up. Drug abuse is rampant. Children are trafficked. Innocent pedestrians are beaten unmercifully by laughing teenagers.
Fear prevails.
Meanwhile, political correctness has silenced many. Some people no longer feel comfortable exercising a basic right—the freedom of expression—for fear of retribution, ridicule, or censorship. You may agree or disagree with someone, but we’re responsible for defending everyone’s right to speak.
Martin Niemöller’s famous quote comes to mind:
“First they came for the socialists, and I did not speak out because I was not a socialist. Then they came for the trade unionists, and I did not speak out—because I was not a trade unionist. Then they came for the Jews, and I did not speak out—because I was not a Jew. Then they came for me—and there was no one left to speak for me.”
What Can We Do?
I have no answers and struggle myself trying to understand people who don’t think like me. Knowing it’s important to keep my thoughts in check, here are some suggestions that helped me:
- Pray and remember we’re all made in God’s image.
- Treat others the way you want to be treated.
- Ignore those who promote division, name-calling, and violence. Call it what it is—evil!
- Intentionally seek opportunities to pay a compliment or help someone in need. If your inner voice tells you to reach out, listen to it.
- Find common ground. We have more in common than we don’t.
- An informed citizenry is a must but spending too much time with the news can skew perspective and reinforce stereotypes. Scale back on its consumption.
- Practice skepticism. Not everything you read or hear is true.
Solution—Revel in Everyday Heroes
Here’s another: Revel in the goodness that still surrounds us.
One LinkedIn member I follow posts extraordinary stories about everyday heroes.
Learning about a biker organization that helps child abuse victims is uplifting. So is this recently posted quote: “Today you could be standing next to someone who is trying their best not to fall apart. Whatever you do today, do it with kindness in your heart.”
Am I on or off target? Let me know—but nicely. Cussing and name calling would only prove my point.
Beautifully said. You couldn’t be more on target. Wonderful and wise words. Thank you!
Thank you! I appreciate you reading and commenting.
Again, a thoughtful and thought-provoking post. Simply lovely and loving. Perfect message for this troubling day.
Honestly, it was supposed to go out tomorrow. But a little snafu happened. The webmaster, the woman I couldn’t do without, said she’d take it down and repost tomorrow. Nope. The timing felt perfect. Thanks for reading and commenting.
So appropriate for today. Surely you’ve lifted every reader’s spirits, including mine. We all need HOPE!
This is perfect: “Today you could be standing next to someone who is trying their best not to fall apart. Whatever you do today, do it with kindness in your heart.”
Thank you so much for taking time to read and comment. I appreciate you!
This is spot on! It doesn’t cost anything to be kind.
It doesn’t cost a dime. Thanks so much for your support.
You put in words what I often think about
That makes me happy. Thanks for letting me know. If you think someone might benefit, please share. We could use a dose of positive vibes today. Best to you.
Thank you Lori. Bless you for your words and your faith! Light in the darkness🌟
I hope I can hold fast. Indeed, light in the darkness. Thanks for reading and posting a comment.
Lori, you are spot-on in your commentary. I remember ducking under my school room desk as a six year-old in the early 1960s, “practicing” for a possible nuclear attack. Add this to the list of our collective, prior history in this country, and beyond. Your list of solutions becomes an imperative for all of us.
The Lyon sisters especially resonated with me. For years, before they found the abductor and murderer, I wondered what happened to those girls. It was the first time I became aware of such a thing. Now it happens often. Unbelievable. Keep the faith.
So very thoughtful. Since childhood, when I first learned the phrase, “Do onto others as you would have done onto you” or in your words, treat others the way you would like to be treated is the way I have tried to live for as long as I can remember. And have hopefully shown that to my children.
Thank you
I think you’ve succeeded, Debbie. Sometimes I need a reminder. Thank you for reading and commenting.
Oh my friend, so so true. Thank you for reminding me just to be kind– even when I don’t feel like it! I also have to remember, “whatever you do in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord.” So yes, definitely be kind!!
Thanks, Sandy, for reading and sharing your opinions. That’s exactly what I hope everyone will do.
Precisely…I enjoyed this!!! My heart is so broken for our country !!!!! So happy to read some hope is out there ….great read!!!
It’s easy finding the nasty, isn’t it? Maybe we should start a “good news” exchange or something. I appreciate you reading and expressing your point of view. Opinions are welcome here.
Spot on!! Sometimes we do need to turn it off. But it sometimes we should sit up and take notice and action. Loved the quote from Martin Niemöller. Thank you for sharing your Light
Couldn’t agree with you more. I heard the quote 12 years ago and have never forgotten it. The message is particularly important today. Thanks for reading.
I enjoyed reading this. Thank you Lori. It doesn’t cost anything to be nice to others and put a smile on their face.
You’re right. Why do we struggle sometimes to do this? I genuinely appreciate your comment.
Well said!
Thank you, Shirley. I appreciate you reading and taking the time to comment.
“Hunt the Good Stuff” is a popular section in a resiliency training program I participated in years ago. When you hunt for it you realize how much good surrounds us. It serves as a reminder to be the good as well. Thanks for your post. We could all use some good.
I need to talk with you about it!