BurdenedThunder

I woke up this morning filled with much sadness. My heart is breaking by the things that are going on around me. I log into my favorite social media site and see people degrading each other over their beliefs. Disheartened, I click close and turn on my TV. More hate.

It doesn't matter what the topic is. If it is different, it's attacked. As if rebuking others would incite change.

Why are we so quick to attack others views? What great and lofty position are we in to force one view on another? Why are we creating and encouraging more negativity?

I do not understand this.

My husband is a Republican with strong views on family, politics, and religion. I am not. My belief system is vastly different than his. We have healthy debates but we don't resort to name calling and berating each other. We RESPECT each other despite how misguided we may think the other is.

Let me ask you this question: How to you teach your child? Do you call them stupid? Do you make them feel less human? No, you are kind, you use feeling words, reasoning, and perhaps give examples.

The plain simple fact is when we listen, we listen to respond. We do not listen to understand. There is an intolerant stance when there is a difference of opinion.

We need to stop this negativity, hate, and bickering amongst us. It is not gaining ground. We are sliding further from where we want to be as a whole.

In closing, I pose a challenge to everyone. The next time you come across a viewpoint or position that differs from your own, kindly open up a dialog. Listen to what they have to say. Don't listen to rebut, listen to understand the position. I can guarantee that you may not agree with it. I can also guarantee that when that person leaves they will respect you for listening.