Truth: Showing Up Better
From Matthew 7:12, KJV:
“Therefore all things whatsoever ye would that [wo]men should do to you: do ye even so to them: for this is the law and the prophets.”
These days, the Golden Rule, do unto others as you would like them to do unto you, has morphed into the more perverted version, whoever has the gold, rules.
Did we as a nation really ask for this? Did our zeal for entertainment from “fake” reality shows permeate the moral fabric of who want to be? Has the ethic of reciprocity, treating others with tolerance, consideration and compassion, given way to a rally cry of division, cruelty, and greed?
I think it is time to make an argument in favor of showing a better truth.
Truth’s Argument in Favor of Tolerance, Consideration and Compassion
Thomas Jefferson set out in the Declaration of Independence:
“We hold these Truths to be self–evident, that all Men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty, and the Pursuit of Happiness….”
We progress to an understanding that all are endowed with certain inalienable rights. While not yet a perfect union, with #metoo movements, we welcome others to be a part of the progress. This is good for America, this is good for the world.
However, these days, the actions of our current elected president focuses on mob rule rallying around divisive speech. Each day, for the past two years, the only constant we can depend upon is a leader standing on his BULLY pulpit, attempting to diminish those who speak out against him. With the hope that he empowers his base so that others will retreat to the shadows- how is this winning? Planting seeds of toxicity, we as a country lose as we lose any moral high ground. This is not good for America, this is not good for the world.
The ethic of tolerance, compassion and consideration demands something different than what is currently unfolding. For this truth, I was raised to believe that cruelty should be called out. I question the allowing because economics are apparently sound. If we continue in this way, will we ever breach the divide?
History lessons forewarn a time where lower base speech reflecting “us vs. them” led to destruction of humanity that chipped away at what we hold near and dear. We were on the side of good then, now that those in power benefit from the same “hate” speech themselves, will we be on the right side now?
While I do not whole-heartedly agree with one party over another on every policy uttered, clearly the moral dysfunction unfolding has me stand in attention. We luckily live in a country where life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness is a part of our declaration of freedom. For our nation to progress for the whole, we need to sign a social contract where an open mind and tolerance open the way for compassion and consideration. There is a need for checks and balances now so that control and power does not continue to abuse. Certainly, absolute power that emboldens ugliness belittles the good that is to become. Truth be told, it is time to show up better.
Truth’s Argument in Favor of Speaking Your Truth
From John 8:32 KJV:
“And the truth shall set you free.”
Last night, my child told me he was afraid of communicating his truth to another for fear of hurting them. I told him that the failure to communicate one’s truth will do more damage. Staying quiet is worse than speaking up. Telling the truth is scary as recently seen by a courageous women before the Senate. But perpetuating lies will haunt you for years to come. There comes a time in life when we all get to decide how we choose to show up. Everything from that point on will dictate a lot of our future.
Starting at a young age, we must teach our children to speak up for “truth” especially now as we navigate these very precarious times. For the Golden Rule, demands that we treat others with respect if that is what we so desire. We call to action those who cannot allow for the lies, exaggerated discourse or smoke and mirrors because the younger generations are watching.
There is the rule of law in this country that keeps a close eye on what we are willing to allow, let’s hope the purveyors of the truth will rise to the challenge to stop this mockery as it unfolds. No one should get a pass. Karmically, we are all held accountable as to what we sow. Truth be told, it is time to show up better.
Truth’s Argument for Who We Want to Be
“Try not to become a man of success, but rather try to become a man of value.”
Albert Einstein
The truth is that none of us truly know what is going to happen. We are all on this crazy ride. As a nation, we have done things we can proud of and otherwise. If we learn as we go, at this time, we have a chance to become a nation based in value once again. Course corrections occur. The pendulum does swing from left to right as it looks for balance. In 28 days, we all get a chance to show the world better who we want to be.
Blogging or writing an opinion piece is not enough. Speaking to your friends is not enough. Show up better. I am looking forward to a chance to speak my truth so that I can look myself in the mirror and am at peace that I know who I want to be. Truth be told, in furtherance of good thoughts shining out of my face like sunbeams, I choose to follow the legacy of the Golden Rule. It is time.
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Truth Be Told: It is Time to Show Up Better was originally published on Meg Nocero