Word of the Week is "Listen" (Post #19)

​Well, some would say “don’t vote at all.”  However, as I considered all of those whose blood was shed for me to have this electoral right, I don’t see how I could allow a weak ballot, to be my justification for not casting one. 

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So, the Wednesday Word for this Week is LISTEN!

Proverbs 18:2, “Fools have no interest in understanding; they only want to air their own opinions.”(NLT)

As of this writing, we (in the United States of America) are in the midst of some rather divisive times.  This is largely (although not completely) because we were in the midst of a very conflict-ridden political season.  

If you’re able to remember (and I know you can), you’d recall that both of the front-running candidates had a lot of “baggage” attached to them.  This “baggage” soon became the source of discouragement for many; as they concluded the presidential ballot to be loaded with nothing but bad choices.  Still, while many viewed this to be the doom of our nation, even going as far as refusing to vote, this actually had proven to be a lesson for many like me. 

Fact:  I do believe in the democratic system.  I believe in the election process and I believe in the free voice of the American people.  However, this year represented a new challenge for me, in that, of the two leading candidates, neither was my desired choice.  In other words, I like many other Americans, had a preferred candidate during the primary; however, my candidate unfortunately didn’t win the nomination. 

So here’s the question:  what was I supposed to do then?  After all, the person who had my vote, could no longer receive my vote.  Or they could get my vote, but it wouldn’t make an impact.  So, considering all things, what then should be my contribution to this election? 

Well, some would say “don’t vote at all.”  However, as I considered all of those whose blood was shed for me to have this electoral right, I don’t see how I could allow a weak ballot, to be my justification for not casting one.

So, if “not-voting” wasn’t an option, and the person who had my original vote could no longer have it, then what was I supposed to do?  Well, it was simple.  I had to legitimately listen to the few that remained. 

I had to resolve that ‘yes, they weren’t my first choice; however, those final and remaining candidates were my options.’  This was powerful to consider seeing’s how I had already assessed and determined why another candidate was better than both of them.  Thus the reason why I didn’t initially select them.  However, the primary result now demanded that I MUST lay aside my original position, refocus and open my mind, and give new credence and attention to a different point of view.  I must die to what I thought, and reconsider a new direction based on newly resolved information.  I had to silence my thoughts, and listen to something new.

Easy? No, but doing this will bless you if you allow it.

Message:  I believe that this simple (but challenging) decision was (and still is) the key to much of the desired peace we seek in many areas of the world.  Sure, we all have an opinion; however, I believe that God is the only One who has an infallible Word.  With that, there will be many areas where we all have opinions that differ.  I’m not saying you should abandon your position at all.  In fact, there are a great deal of things that I plan to hold on to, until the day I die. 

Nonetheless, civility demands that even while I hold fast to my thoughts on many things, I should still be able to cordially consider and converse about everything.  I should never become so fixed on my opinion that I’m now unable to hear the position of another. 

America, if we truly want a remedy, dialogue is only key. 

Lord, teach me to learn and listen, after all, I need both to grow. 

Your thoughts?  Inspired?  Upset?  Agree?  Disagree?  Let me know below.  Peace and love family.

Imperfectly,

Kevin D. Jones, Sr.
@kevindjonessr