Truth Over Tribe

I am reading a new book called Truth over Tribe (Pledging allegiance to the lamb, not the donkey or the elephant), and it's a book I feel very much relatable to my life.

I am the liberal in conservative circles and the conservative in liberal circles, and 100% it is my fault.

I have taught for 24 years now and one of the main things I try to get across to my students is that there are different perspectives on any given issue. You don't have to believe what someone else does, but show some respect and be able to defend your own opinion or facts.

It's my fault because I talk too much and have an opinion even more too often.

And, if that person is arguing from a feet planted, firm perspective, I just have to try and show a different way. I don't know why I do it, I should just keep my mouth shut, but I don't sometimes. 

And then...

That person either treats my perspective (which may not even be my opinion) with respectful disagreement or, well, doesn't.

And then because I can be emotionally immature when treated like I don't know what I'm talking about, tend to maybe lose it a little.

Ok, sometimes a lot.

I am not perfect, and I sure as heck don't know everything, but I can promise you if I put it out there, I have thought about it a lot and tried to look at an issue from every angle.

Just because I don't agree with something or someone doesn't agree with me, doesn't me that we are wrong, in fact, we are just looking at something from a different perspective.

Abortion?

You're looking through the pregnant woman's perspective or the unborn's perspective.

Illegal Immigration?

You're looking through the people running for a better life's perspective, or how can we handle so many new people and still function perspective.

Law enforcement?

You're looking through the police perspective or the minority policed perspective.

And on and on and on.

Here's a good test for you when it comes to whether you have an open mind or not.

Do you ever feel that your "side" is wrong on any issue or does anything wrong, misspeaks, etc?

Also, when your "side" does this, are you willing to admit it or even speak up and point it out?

If no on those questions, you just might be part of the problem.

But so am I, but I'm trying.

Grace, Always Grace

That teacher just lost her mom.

That teenage student is used to being verbally and physically abused at home.

That police officer is going through a divorce.

That pastor just lost a child to cancer.

That accountant had a flat tire on the way to work.

That principal has a sick pet that has been with her for a long time.

That lawyer has been sexually assaulted.

That coach is dealing with a drug addicted sibling.

That construction worker is getting over alcohol addiction.

That doctor has lost multiple patients this week.

That soccer mom gets no help from her husband.

That McDonald's worker is dealing with a mental illness.

That tech manager is dealing with a parent with Alzheimer's.

That PTO president wishes her kids acknowledged her.

That student wishes her parents would tell her they love her.

That fire fighter has a sick relative.

That young girl has dealt with sexual abuse.

That young guy has dealt with sexual abuse.

That former student is dealing with a criminal trial.

That current student is angry because they've been through more rough things than you have.

That air traffic controller is dealing with a disease that creates pain every day.

That nurse is addicted to pain meds.

We are all dealing with something. What may not seem a lot to you, very well could be huge to that person. 

When dealing with others remember, always remember that a little grace can go a long way.