Reflections from the Home Team - June 22, 2020

“Find your ‘one thing’ that you can do to contribute to the solution. I don't know what your one thing should be. But I do know it feels a lot better to act and see change, than argue about it online. Imagine if millions of people picked one thing to make a difference. Imagine everyone being part of the solution.  This is how we will change the world for better!”

Jon Gordon

Greetings from Cedar Falls,

As I reflect on the events of the past few months in our country, I am truly disheartened by what I see. I have witnessed the divisions that currently exist in our country, along with the tragic, senseless acts of violence being displayed.  I’m deeply troubled by the hurtful comments being made and directed at others with whom we may disagree. So many disparaging comments are being directed toward individuals and groups on both sides of a discussion. I see them on T.V., hear them on the radio, and read them on social media, and without question, they continue to push us more and more into the ‘great divide’. That brings me to this reflection.

Let me begin with an analogy, baseball related of course…Nothing is worse for a baseball player than a hitting slump. Most players have encountered them at one time or another and sometimes they seem to last forever. I’ve seen hitting slumps make players quit before…that’s how frustrating they are.

When a player is in a slump, they usually have people from every angle telling them what to do. “Be patient”, “Load early”, “Stay back on it”, “Use a different bat” and many more things are called out to batters when they’re in the box. Coaches, parents, and other players, all well-meaning, trying to “get in their ear” while trying to give them directions. I’ve been on the receiving end of that a time or two. I’m feeling some of the same frustrations with a number of things going on in our current reality as we as a nation appear divided about politics, COVID-19 and racial issues. As I’ve often shared, baseball can offer us many life lessons, so please bear with me as I make an analogy in this reflection.

Most “experts” believe that hitting slumps are most often caused by a mental change, not a physical one. There are many things that you can work on to overcome a hitting slump but having a specific thing to focus on helps a batter to not overthink his swing. The “art” of doing one thing at a time can also be applied in our current reality if we are to have meaningful and productive change. In his recent Newsletter, Jon Gordon shared some thoughts on the “Art” of doing one thing… Jon writes:

DO ONE THING Have you noticed a lot more fighting and dividing happening on people's social media pages the last few weeks? I've seen friends, neighbors and families debating each other and becoming divided about politics, COVID-19 and racial issues.  When I wrote that we need to have a conversation about race two weeks ago, I didn't mean on Facebook or Twitter. We need real conversations where we can talk, listen and explore the depths of the issues and the experiences that drive each person's perspective and narrative. Instead of meaningful dialogue, people are responding back and forth with negative comments. They are angry and looking for someone to engage and unleash their anger on.  Too many are talking, instead of listening. Too many are looking for a fight instead of finding ways to unite. Too many are contributing to the noise pollution instead of being part of the solution.  St. Anthony of Padua said, "Actions speak louder than words; let your words teach and your actions speak. We are full of words but empty of actions." The truth is, no one ever changed the world by arguing on social media. We need less words and more action!  I realize that you may not know where to start. When you dive into the issues, they are very complex and there is a lot to do. With all the layers to the predicament we are facing today it can feel overwhelming. It can make you feel powerless, so you don't do anything.  But we can all do something and if we all do one thing to contribute to the solution, we can accomplish a lot.  So, here's the deal. Find your "one thing" that you can do to contribute to the solution.  I don't know what your one thing should be. But I do know it feels a lot better to act and see change, than argue about it online. Imagine if millions of people picked one thing to make a difference.  Imagine everyone being part of the solution.   This is how we will change the world for better -Jon

I’ve found that people who have suffered in some way can usually understand and relate to others who are experiencing similar struggles… They have the space and capacity for compassion and understanding for others who may be struggling. Deep understanding and compassion are formed much more by shared pain than by shared pleasure.

Seeing how divided our country is right now, it's clear we need to have a difficult conversation about race in America. Instead of being separate teams we need to become one team. It starts by listening to and understanding those who are frustrated and hurting. We can all grow if we just stop and listen. To start the process and better understand the struggles of the history of racism in our Country, may I suggest reading a book recommended by a good friend titled The Sun Does Shine, How I Found Life and Freedom on Death Row by Anthony Ray Hinton. I’d also encourage you to watch the movie Just Mercy, a powerful and thought-provoking true story, about a young lawyer who heads to Alabama to defend those wrongly condemned, with the support of a local advocate. Both are stories that can help us understand and have compassion for those struggling with the issue of race in America.

Jesus told Peter in Luke 22:31-32, "You must be ground like wheat, and once you have recovered, then you can turn and help your brothers." Until we take the time to stop and listen, it is difficult to help those who may not share our same experiences.

We can certainly take a lesson from how Jesus handled these types of situations. He didn't post things on social media dismissing people he disagreed with and he didn't tear other's character down. Jesus offered them love and support, not only showing them a better way, but He also modeled it Himself. We are all complex, we are all sinners, and we simply can't wait for "perfection" to begin the process of understanding each other. Let's allow the light of positivity  to shine through all those complex folks around us as we start a revival of our own in 2020, each doing our "one thing" to contribute to a solution in helping change the world for the better.  

May we each be a part of a solution, one step at a time.

Dave

Are you or someone you know fighting cancer... struggling with the physical, emotional and spiritual issues that accompany a cancer journey or other serious health issue? Making ourselves available to others can open up the doors of opportunity for deeper relationships, healing, and transformation. For many, time is one of the most valuable commodities in today's fast-paced world. Sharing time with others is a wonderful gift. It says, "Here I am... for you. To listen, to care, to serve." The power of presence should never be underestimated!  

Be an encourager in someone else’s life!

To learn more about being an encourager, and to view the Reflections blog, visit the Reflections from the Home Team website at:

www.reflectionsfromthehometeam.com/