A need for national healing

When a person is physically ill they can turn to a physician to be healed. When there is mental illness a psychiatrist is one of the sources that can help in bringing about healing. When a spiritual matter arises and healing in this sphere is needed then a pastor can be called upon. But when a nation is in need of healing where does it turn?

It was recently shared, as the congress moved closer to the historical vote that took place Sunday evening, how deeply concerned this person was about our nation. Concerned not because of the health care issue and vote, but because of the pervasive anger, rising bigotry, all-inclusive mistrust and outright hatred being expressed by an increasing number of people and groups. America is need of a healing, but where does it turn … and who begins the healing process?

I don’t believe that it begins with electing new political leaders. Nor, does it begin with bringing prayer back into the schools. Nor, does it begin by posting a copy of the Ten Commandments in our courtrooms. Nor, does it begin with passing a new law or by overturning an existing law. Nor, does it begin with appointing different judges to the Supreme Court. Nor, does it begin with … (and you can fill in the blank with whatever you believe should happen next to bring about healing). Why doesn’t the healing begin here, because these issues and things are all outward and “quick” fixes to a much deeper problem.

A national healing begins with each one of us. It begins with feelings that we allow to grow within us. It begins with the language that we choose to use concerning other people and groups. We have to move away from our anger, bigotry, mistrust and hatred. Our attitude has to change. Our vocabulary has to change. Our feelings have to change. And, in so doing, we become the change agent … and then our beloved nation just might begin to heal.

Quote for today: “People need people. Laurie was about three when one night she requested my aid in getting undressed. I was downstairs and she was upstairs, and ... well. ‘You know how to undress yourself,’ I reminded. ‘Yes,’ she explained, 'but sometimes people need people anyway, even if they do know how to do things by themselves.’" William C. Schultz