Many Americans champion the teachings of Jesus Christ as they exhort others to "Love one another." They encourage the 'Golden Rule: Do unto others as you would have others do unto you.' Historically, these messages were routinely disseminated and nurtured in the home, school and Church environment. Unfortunately, the near fifty-percent American divorce rate has lessened the home message as has the decline in Sunday morning church attendance. (Note: I find it so amusing when I hear the masses call for "prayer in school" then note that only 14% of the American Christian population actually go to Church to pray on Sunday mornings.) The school appears to be the last institution standing and its potential (positive) impact is compromised by ridiculous laws and impotent administrators fearful of school board members with less than honorable agendas.
What does get repeated is the negative reporting of bad behavior. Stop and recall the news source you regularly embrace. How often are those stories encouraging, uplifting and given to hope or positive engagement? The answer is not often. The reason? No public appetite for good news like there is for the salacious dirt.
Our nation will elect the world's most powerful leader next month. Our determining measurements of these two individuals of choice is a nearly two year barrage of aggressive, negative, hurtful and often untrue rhetoric attacks from both candidates.
My father admonished me to take care of those things in my control, don't bellyache blaming others and have compassion for others as you may need the same. I absorbed that philosophy. Hundreds of my former basketball players would tell you, if asked, that they were never permitted to argue with officials, criticize teammates or say derogatory things about opponents. The dressing room sign summed it up: "Respect All Fear None."
God help our children growing up in these ugly, negative and UN-Christlike times.
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