JUNE 11, 2020
Our country is and has been going through some very explosive times lately. (thanks Captain Obvious) Regardless of your feelings (remember, “It’s NOT about you anyway”) there is a huge political and ideological split in our country that needs addressing. This week’s remarks are not intended to create more conflict nor give my personal opinion. I just pray we can try and address a method of approaching the issues of conflict, criticizing and complaining in a civil manner. Think about the end result of any actions being taken now. What is the right thing to do? But be careful what you wish for.
This last summer I read Sun Tzu’s book, “The Art of War.” It was compiled well over two thousand years ago by a mysterious warrior-philosopher and is a book about strategy which has been applied to modern politics and business. One of the most salient thoughts and themes of this book is Sun Tzu’s dictum of the classic saying, “To win without fighting is best.” While the book applies to competition and conflict in general, on every level from the interpersonal to the international, it’s aim is to promote victory without battle. That is what most civilized societies have strived for but I have always thought the following. “As long as there are two people left on this earth, there will be conflict.” Thus, this book is not only about strategy of war but a strategy of peace. Dealing with conflicts and resolution. I only bring up this book because, as peace loving people, we want to settle conflicts by the least amount of bloodshed and damage to property as possible. Regardless of what side you are on, leadership is KEY to any answer to the present conflict our country is facing at this time.
I am reminded of Dale Caregie’s chapter in his book, “How to Win Friends and Influence People,” that states, “If you want to gather honey, don’t kick over the beehive.” What a great analogy of how to approach a conflict. He states it is NEVER right to criticize. Criticism puts a person on the defensive and usually makes him strive to justify himself. Criticism is dangerous, because it wounds a person’s precious pride, hurts his sense of importance, and arouses resentment. NONE of us likes to be condemned, criticized or complained about because we all thirst for approval. That can lead to HUGE conflicts any which way you look at it.
I struggled putting this week’s remarks down on paper because I have so many thoughts and concerns for our country. We will always have conflicts in our lives. Hopefully, each one of you can learn to turn things over to God. This present conflict we are facing will come and go but God’s love for each one of us is forever. Try working with and on things that last.
Got a conflict you are dealing with personally right now? Go to that person in love and not with a heart full of hate. It will be much easier to handle in realizing there just might be more important things in life than your petty little concern. See the big picture for our country. Fight for truth and justice but make sure you know what truth means to everyone. Not just yourself.
I am writing this remark on June 6, 2020. This is the 76th Anniversary of D-Day. (Ugh! I am totally humbled just sitting here thinking about the sacrifice) Think about that conflict and what it meant to this world we live in. Remember, our ancestors had more conflicts than we could ever imagine and they seemed to work through them. So bring your positive attitude and heart to the situation. We are all flawed and it is up to each one of us to reach out to understand others. Then take action to “PEACEFULLY” bring about change. I like the old saying, “Don’t throw the Baby out with the Bathwater.” Go into battle with the right heart and see if you can win without firing a shot.
Elevator Guy