As we head into evening on Election Day in the USA, Virginia (the person) thinks it might be a good idea to contemplate CIVILITY. Here are relevant excerpts from a blog she posted during the last presidential election in 2016. BTW, I wanted to put up a KIRK/SPOCK 2020 yard sign this year, but my brother said this election is nothing to joke about. No kidding! If you haven’t voted, please head for the polls before they close!

What happened to civility in our political discourse?

On Sunday a spiffy Cadillac pulled up next to me at a stoplight. As the tinted window buzzed down, I thought, “Have I done something wrong?” Then a well-heeled lady waved and said, “My husband and I want to thank you. Your bumper sticker made us laugh all down this road, something we haven’t done much lately. Wherever did you get it?”

When the light changed, my spirits lifted with theirs as we drove our separate ways.

This American election season has been polarizing and depressing to folks from all ends of the political spectrum, and to the indecisive bouncing betwixt volatile extremes. Social media antics have increased the stress factor. Some posts on Facebook and other outlets have made me cringe. People boast they have “unfriended” those of differing views.

Name calling, nasty rhetoric, polarizing tweets and instantgrams zing back and forth.

What happened to civil discourse? Like, when we agree to disagree and still be friends? I have been blessed with friends from different cultures, religions, countries, ethnicities, and political backgrounds who have enriched my life. Yes, many times we’ve disagreed on specific issues (sometimes heatedly) but they know I care about them and I know they care about me.

But, puhleeez! I am fed up with religious leaders saying one candidate is “the right choice.” Get real! We Americans are a diverse bunch, so too, our churches and religious places of worship reflect diversity and differing views. I’ve got news for everybody:

God is not Democrat. God is not Republican.

And, guess what?!? (This might shock some folks) God is NOT American!

God is above and beyond all our political divisions and national boundaries. And the love of God is for ALL of us, whatever our ethnicity, religion, country, gender or political hue.

In this election there are many issues at stake. Each one of us must prayerfully evaluate what’s important in our hearts and vote accordingly. Then engage in a little civility.

Treat others as we want them to treat us, like the Golden Rule.

To my Christian family and friends, I challenge you with the example of Jesus washing the feet of His disciples at the Last Supper. After He tenderly washed their feet, Jesus commanded them, “Now, you must go and do likewise for each other.”  I imagine He looked implicitly at Simon the Zealot, a revolutionary bent on overthrowing Roman occupation, and Matthew, the former tax collector collaborator with the Roman occupiers.

Both look at each other, “You mean him? Wash his feet? The one I can’t stand?”

Jesus didn’t say to “barely tolerate each other,” but “wash each other’s feet.” So, to, we should wash the feet of those with whom we disagree with respect, civility, and love that knows no boundaries.

As people of faith we put our trust in God, Who has an everlasting well of love and mercy for us that never runs dry. God’s love is here for us no matter what happens, in disasters and after, in good times and bad, and even in a polarizing American election!

Who knows what will happen tonight? But no matter what, people of faith, let’s ask God for the grace to be civil conciliators – conduits of peace, dignity, civility and respect for all. Let’s choose to be beacons of love that dissipates hate.

Let’s show (a little more) civility, please!

grace, peace & civility

Virginia : )

p.s. My bumper sticker candidates offer serious wisdom to contemplate:

“The prejudices people feel about each other disappear when they get to know each other.” Captain Kirk (Star Trek, “Elaan of Troyius”)

“I have been, and always shall be, your friend.” Spock (Star Trek II: The Wrath of Khan)

“I am pleased to see that we have differences. May we together become greater than the sum of both of us.”  Surak of Vulcan (Star Trek, “The Savage Curtain”)

“Peace or utter destruction. It’s up to you.”  Captain Kirk (“A Taste of Armageddon”)