Thankfully, the recent one-year anniversary of the January 6th terrorist attack on the Capital Building in Washington, D.C. was largely a sound condemnation of the event. Still, many influential people were silent on the subject and at least one alarming statistic was shared:
Apparently, only 20% of all Americans have faith in the electoral system of our country. That number cuts across all political party lines. Twenty percent is a dismal number and an indication that something is dreadfully wrong with our society.
In this interim period between elections, it is important that people of faith take an active part in stabilizing the political discourse while at the same time remaining personally positive. Here are some things you can do:
- Attend worship! We are all hungry for community and connection right now and it can be found here every Sunday morning. Plus, worship at FCC is always relevant, positive, and helps renew your relationship with God.
- Become involved in progressive politics. You don’t have to run for office to have an impact! Whether it is in the area of racial justice, the climate crisis, LBGTQ rights, or the pro-choice movement all of these grassroots efforts are related and help undergird our democracy.
- Be attentive to the truth. Fascism flourishes in a climate of lies. Many people seem to fanatically believe things that are objectively false. Making up “facts” does not make them real. Knowing what to do with people who insist the earth is flat when it is actually round is a bit of a conundrum, but proclaiming basic truths has enormous value right now.
- Cultivate kindness. Interpersonal relationships go nowhere when they are founded on anger and hatred. Try to find points of connection.
- Support progressive businesses and avoid those that foster racism, homophobia, or nationalism.
- Take a break. It is important to get away from the news and any socio-political involvement from time to time so that you can clear your head and calm your spirit.
- Remember it’s not all up to you! You are part of something bigger and better than you can possibly imagine. God is woven into every good, generous, kind act. Your job is to sow the seeds. God will do the growing. The way ahead may not always be clear. Times may seem frightening. But our faith reminds us that, in the end, all shall be well!
I firmly believe that there is more good in the world than bad. It only seems the other way around sometimes because we take the good for granted and neglect to activate the good through our discipleship.
God always invites us to be the hands and feet and voice of Christ in this world in ways both big and small. When we accept that invitation, we become part of the Way, the Truth, and the Life.
See you in church,
–Rev. Dominic
fccmelrose.org 