This article is being written on the eve of the Nov. 5th election. As I put pen to paper, we still do not know who the winner in the various races will be, especially for the highest office of the land, but what I do know is the one who holds tomorrow and that ultimately God is in control. We cannot put our trust in man (or woman) but rather in a higher power that is in control of everything.
There have been so many slogans that swirled around various campaigns, and I believe that we should do what is best for our country instead of focusing on just an individual. People will disappoint us, but if we stop and think about what we can do and what difference we can make, we will contribute to our own communities and ultimately to the world.
No matter who wins this election, our nation will be divided and broken. However, each of us can be a party of one to help mend the broken pieces. I believe in God, our country, and our flag. No one person or group has a monopoly on any of them.
As we continue to navigate these new waters, how do you think it would be best for our country to move forward? Our country was built on a checks and balances system designed by the founding fathers to hopefully prevent any one branch of government from being too powerful. We have three branches, the legislative branch, which is Congress, the executive branch, which is the Office of the President, and the judicial branch, which is the Supreme Court and other federal courts.
Each of these branches has its own unique set of powers. The framework was put in place for the sake of having a separation of powers to safeguard liberty. The goal is to hopefully prevent tyranny by any one branch and to hopefully protect the rights of the American people. We must do our best to hold accountable those we put into office to do what is best for all Americans and not just a few.
Over two decades ago, I ran for city council in my local town (I did not win). From that experience, I learned that everything is not always what things appear to be. I also know that when you are in public office, you do not always get to accomplish all the issues you shared during your campaign, but what I also learned is that individuals can make a difference in their own neighborhoods which stretches into affecting cities, states, and ultimately our nation.
During the 2024 political campaigning process, although I had my preference of who I wanted to win the presidency, I also knew that after the election, I still had to live on my street and interact with my neighbors on a daily basis and I wanted to make sure I had a voice that would still make a difference and ultimately move the needle towards a compassionate mankind relationship as much as possible.
As we all ponder the question of what is best for our county moving forward, the responses will be as diversified as our nation. What may matter to me may not matter to the person I stand next to in a voting booth. Most of us are influenced in our beliefs and desires by our parents, teachers, preachers, and friends, and your circle of association may be different than mine, so how do we reach common ground?
My thoughts are we need to go back to the basics. Stop and listen to a stranger you may have an opportunity to interface with. Seek understanding before trying to be understood. Extend basic courtesies such as kindness, being polite, and extending a helping hand when it is in your power to do so.
Ultimately, I am not suggesting anyone walk away from their core values but remember there are some things we all have in common that we can use as starting blocks to build a bridge instead of a wall for a better tomorrow. Hopefully, one day we truly will be a united country even with our differences. Never give up hope.
Healing Without Hate: It’s a choice. It’s a lifestyle. Pass it on.
Visit www.WendyGladney.com and www.forgivingforliving.org to learn more. Wendy is a life strategist, coach, consultant, author, and speaker.
