We the People are All Human
This week I have been thinking about this song by Natalie Grant: Human. The lyrics are:
Every life has a choice
To rise above to fill a void
Every heart has a mission
And we are called to be human
We gotta do better than this 'cause we've only got
One chance to make a difference
We gotta do better than this 'cause we've only got
One life that we've been given
A little love, a little kindness
A little light in this time of darkness
It'll be what makes us different
It'll be what makes us human
I'm human, you're human, we are, we are human
We are marked with His image
And we are scarred with indifference
Maybe now we should listen
Hear the cry of God's children
We gotta do better than this 'cause we've only got
One chance to make a difference
We gotta do better than this 'cause we've only got
One life that we've been given
A little love, a little kindness
A little light in this time of darkness
It'll be what makes the difference
It'll be what makes us human
I'm human, you're human, we are
We are human
Songwriters: Dan Muckala / Jason Ingram / Jodi Sparks / Jordin Sparks
You can listen to Human here.
I know I have written a lot about love and kindness and it’s because I think it is our only hope to connect with each other’s humanity and learn to love every person. Because we are ALL human. We are not elephants or donkeys(or any other kind of animals). We are not evil enemies who must be destroyed or garbage that must be disposed of. Transgender people are not sexual predators and immigrants are not insane murderers. Christians are not all gun-toting radical extremists. We must avoid listening to the de-humanizing propaganda and avoid applying stereotypes.
The constitution of the United States begins with these words: “We the People of the United States, in Order to form a more perfect Union, establish Justice, insure domestic Tranquility, provide for the common defence, promote the general Welfare, and secure the Blessings of Liberty to ourselves and our Posterity, do ordain and establish this Constitution for the United States of America.”
Notice that we as a country are meant to be a “more perfect Union” with justice, tranquility, liberty and general welfare as our common goals. As we go about our days and as we go to the polls, let’s keep those goals in mind.
No matter how the majority of Americans vote on Tuesday, we are still going to be very divided and will have a large number of unhappy people. We must remember though that each and every person is a human like you and me. We must promote peace and avoid violence. Let’s talk to one another respectfully about our concerns and ask questions to better understand other perspectives. And maybe someday we will achieve our collective goal of a “more perfect Union.”
If you have time, go back and read a couple of my articles from this past summer:
A Non-violent Loving Democracy
Despite the negative aspects of our American history which I talked about in my last article (A Christian Nation?), I love my country and the diverse group of people who inhabit this land. I love the idea of an American democracy where every voice is valued and every vote counts. I love the freedoms and opportunities that we often take for granted. I lo…
Peace and Unity
I used to avoid conflict at all costs. I was a timid, quiet girl who learned to keep my opinions to myself to avoid getting yelled at or shamed. I thought that made me a peacemaker. Many of us have also been told to hold our tongues or keep our peace. It has become common to steer clear of topics like politics and religion to avoid arguments with family…
Also, please read my friend Dale’s latest article about the fear and anxiety many of us are experiencing:
Thanks for such a powerful reminder of our common goals. So needed.