Sometimes I Preach a Little…

Well I don't know about you, but I am glad election season is over! No matter if your political team won or lost, we've all got work to do to repair and build bridges of unity with one another. Hopefully there is something in my "sermon" that will provide some healing and help us move forward together in unity. We, the every day people like you and me, along with our newly elected politicians, have got some serious work to do. #LETGO!! Https://UncommonPhilanthropist.com

Click to watch my first UP sermon: WATCH VIDEO

Or if you prefer, here is the article…

Building Bridges Over Political Divides

It’s easy to overlook the very name and intention of our country: The UNITED States of America. Our founding fathers knew a thing or two about political division, yet they came together in unity to draw up a roadmap and guiding documents for what would become one of the greatest countries…ever. 

The freedoms I have as an American allow me to attend the church of my choice, to freely state my opinions without fear of repercussion, to pursue world-class education and economic prosperity, to have access to an abundance of food, to enjoy luxuries such as a home, a car and a warm bed, and to travel and see a little bit of this beautiful country and the world and so much more.  

Freedom is at the heart of the American experiment, allowing for the individual citizen to chart his/her own pathway and the states to have ruling rights and authority on critical decisions affecting their people.

Our American freedom is something we can easily take for granted.  It’s also something we should staunchly defend. Disunity has the potential to weaken the very foundation of our great country.

Are we a perfect country? No, Is the playing field not level?  Yes. Does crushing poverty and unequal opportunity still exist for some? Yes. Do we have some serious issues to address that don’t get nearly enough funding or attention, like fentanyl poisoning, homelessness and world hunger? Yes, yes and yes.

These “yeses” are some of the true enemies of America, not your neighbors who vote for the opposing party.  Your “yeses” are different than mine, which should be celebrated not criticized—there are plenty of causes to go around.  Rather than bashing and name calling our fellow Americans—which serves no purpose in the end—what if we focused our attention and efforts on the causes that matter most to us?  

Do not look to the federal government to solve these problems—you have the power to donate and make a difference by serving with the nonprofits in your community working on the causes that matter most to you. 

Talk is cheap. Instead, choose to be a person of action by serving and getting involved.

We all have our faults, which is built into our human wiring. And we have our differences.  AND THAT IS OK. The need to love and accept one another—despite our political opinions and different ideologies.  Love and acceptance of our neighbors, not cancel culture, is in our American DNA. We, however, have been manipulated to think otherwise.

I’m not sure when or where it happened, but we’ve been played by a system that benefits from all of this hate and division. It’s time we called “hogwash” and refuse to stop feeding from the trough of negativity and lies espoused by some politicians, the media, celebrities and pundits.

The truth is, we are and have always been a great country, made of hard working, decent, good American people. People like you and like me.  It is OK to “agree to disagree” with our fellow Americans without the volatility of hate distorting our views and relationships.

The fear mongering and name calling of both sides have reached toxic levels—on both sides in this latest political season. We Americans have been assaulted by despicable and ridiculous political ads, making outrageous claims about the other person or party, based on shreds of half-truths or blatant lies. The architects of these modern political campaigns—and those who fund them, the PACs or Political Action Committees—should be ashamed of themselves. We, the American people, are so much smarter than you give us credit for. Further, your outrageous ads do nothing to influence or convert voters, only to annoy, destruct and divide.

The same could be said for the everyday person who uses their social media pages to spew harmful rhetoric at the opposing party and their people—you are not going to win any votes or convert anyone to your side.  

Hate is a powerful weapon. It has always been wielded by the powers that be to divide and conquer. It’s easy to point fingers and shout insults at opposing people with differing views. You may get a rush or think you wield some form of power…but it’s only for a moment.  

As an American, you have fundamental rights that you have convinced yourself are no longer there.  Again, it’s those half-truths that both political parties spew, that you eagerly consume and get fired up about.  

If you are fueled by hate for anything or any person, you will not win long-term. You have the freedom to unite with your other haters for some vitriol-fueled rallies, but in the end hate is not sustainable. It burns hot and fizzles out.  

It’s sometimes hard to find the truth.  The media are increasingly biased.  Even your feeds on social media and search engines are manipulated.  

It all can all be overwhelming with no win in sight.

So how do we begin to build bridges now that the latest election season has thankfully come to an end?  

I believe it begins one American citizen at a time, the every day people, you and me, calling “hogwash” on the nonsense of American politics. Stop looking to politicians to unite the American people. That power lies within us, the every day American people.  One person, one neighbor, one relationship at a time. 

In an online article by Pew Research, the authors state, “A disconnected nation lacks the bonds of trust necessary for bridging political and social divides.” (“Can Americans Be Optimistic About Their Democracy”)

When we are disconnected, it’s easier to point fingers, blame the other person or party and spew hate.  But when you get up close, and choose to love and serve your neighbor instead, something transformational happens.

Love is a more powerful weapon than hate. Choose to love your country and your neighbors.  We are the freakin’ UNITED States of America, baby. Turn off the spigot of hate once and for all. Tune out the talk heads. Stop the doom scroll. Find people who will lift you up, not drag you down. Hug a Democrat, a Republican or an Independent.  Say you’re sorry.  Go for a walk. Go volunteer and serve. Wave that American flag, say your prayers, and give thanks for the blessing of living in the U.S.of A.    

And let’s get to work serving our neighbors in need.

God bless you and God bless America!

Let go….

Rena

P.S. - Hogwash means nonsense or words that are intended to deceive.  Though not commonly used, I thought it was a nicer term to use than others.

Link to Pew Research article: https://www.pewresearch.org/short-reads/2024/09/13/can-americans-be-optimistic-about-their-democracy/

Meet Steve Beecham, an Uncommon Philanthropist

Steve and Rena open up the UP gates with a fun discussion and invitation to join the UP movement by getting involved and making a difference in your local community.

In this first episode of The Uncommon Philanthropist, you’ll meet Steve Beecham, “Beech”, a local Alpharetta, GA business owner, community builder, author, speaker and a true OG Uncommon Philanthropist (UP).  Steve has found ways to use his significant Southern charm and gifts of conversation and connection for the good of others while building his mortgage and speaking business at the same time. He’s also found a way to bring live music to our hometown, not only for his personal listening pleasure but also as a way to build community and raise funds for a number of charities. The summer concert series of 2024, presented by Beech and the Rotary Club of Alpharetta, raised over $90,000–much of which will be used to renovate the main hall of the local American Legion! In the spirit of a true UP, Steve is always ready to serve others and is having the time of his life doing so along the way.

To listen or watch this episode:

Spotify:  https://open.spotify.com/episode/6w41zlqLAdDhxWSm9UzPSp?si=Ybp5ZeMoSdmQtMR_KK1L0w

Apple Podcasts:  https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/uncommon-philanthropist/id1774213804?i=1000673291844

YouTube:  https://youtu.be/1LRV8_nPK50?si=51ZFvUugUytzQISy

To learn more about Beech:  https://stevebeecham.com

Know someone like Beech who is an Uncommon Philanthropist?  Tell us more:  click here to complete a short form.