Healing the divisions that separate us should be our goal going forward.
Though the US Presidential election is behind us, healing the divisions between us can seem an overwhelming task. Which is what makes Steven Salt’s Nov 5 article in the Herald-Star such an important read and consideration. What can overcome the fear that ‘the other guy’ will do us harm? The beginning of Salt’s article is below as well as a link to read the entire article on the Herald-Star site.
No trespassing. Keep out. Violators will be …
Constructing borders and defending them seems an irresistible proclivity manifested on many levels. From national boundaries to backyard fences and even personal space, there is a strong impulse to establish lines of demarcation that separate us from each other for the purpose of safeguarding. There are consequences.
Territorial violations make the news every day: Illegal border crossings, mass immigration, international as well as personal property disputes, to name a few.
The walls built to keep some in and others out are not confined to physical structures, but also ideated ones, less obvious but just as formidable. Barriers such as distrust, prejudice, indifference and hatred can seem more impenetrable than a barbed wire fence.
On the other hand, an instinctive drive to associate and unite with others impels us to connect. It is an interesting dichotomy: The desire to relate juxtaposed against fears that keep outsiders at arms length. Lifting the barricades that divide us along with the suspicions and angst they foster requires a rethink of accepted comfort zones and an acknowledgement of our native oneness.
We have seen it before. The evidence of unity abounds after tragic incidents and natural disasters when all come together in the aftermath to aid those afflicted. Drawing close together is also a natural inclination when facing a mutual foe. The healing effects of like-mindedness are tangible.
Yet, it does not take a common enemy to unite us. We can stand in solidarity as one family no matter the circumstances and despite the perceived differences that distinguish us from one another.
“One infinite God, good, unifies men and nations;” writes Mary Baker Eddy, “constitutes the brotherhood of man; ends wars; fulfils the Scripture, “Love thy neighbor as thyself;” annihilates pagan and Christian idolatry — whatever is wrong in social, civil, criminal, political and religious codes; equalizes the sexes; annuls the curse on man, and leaves nothing that can sin, suffer, be punished or destroyed.” That is accomplishing something.