Jack’s Winning Words 11/9/20

“Let the healing begin.” (Joe Cocker song)  I’m impressed with how some of our popular song lyrics relate to the world in which we live.  If there’s a time for America to take a breather, it’s now.  We need to begin to work together to ease hate…to join in fighting the Virus.   Healing begins with our legislators, but the real work is ours.  Maybe, instead of a Red or Blue yard sign, someone designs one saying, Let the healing begin!  ;-)  Jack

FROM BLAZING OAKS:  If there was such a yard sign, I'd display it!  I hope the disappointed Trumpers will also make an effort; Tho some still maintain he will be the winner, after all the "fraud' is investigated....(Here in Springfield, anyway...). We are so deeply divided at this point, it is going to take time and patience to repair.  I never thought I'd see our nation in such straits!! But there are always hopeful signs, so we do what we can to mediate and love!!===JACK:  Divisions happen in families - even among churches.;  As a pastor I've tried to be a healer, knowing that some splits are beyond repair.  I may have given up mon the Lutherans getting together, but I have not given up on keeping the USA the united states.

FROM THE SHARK:  The one million dollar question is:  How do we work on healing and undoing racism at the same time?===JACK:  How about your "home" country?  How long have they been trying solve social/religious problems there?  I don't think that either of us will see the end of racism in our lifetime4.  But, that doesn't mean that we should stop trying.  In the USA it's less now than it was when I was growing up.

FROM ST PAUL IN ST PAUL:  tonite (TUESDAY) on PBS   8 p.m. the Rise of the Nazis:  how Germany went from a democracy in 1930 to a dictatorship 3 years later.  should be interesting viewing.  and perhaps timely as well.===JACK:  I guess that part of "healing" is to learn why some people believe as they do...and how one action can lead to a predictable reaction.

FROM MD IN BSFL:  I already see a softer tone from the New York Times. Actually  like reading it now. I enjoy spirited debate but no name calling. I will complain when Biden does something that I do not like but will not call him racist, socialist  etc. Kierkegaard said "Once you label me you negate me"===JACK:  Where did you hear about Soren K?  I thought that only philosophers and preachers studied him.===MD:   I think from my Jesuit education at U of D. Mandatory four classes in religion for graduation. Probably more recently from Victor Davis Hanson or Trey Gowdy.===JACK:  Ah, those Jesuits are good teachers!

FROM CZB:  How about a purple flag campaign that means let’s unite!? A UNITED states. ===JACK:  That probably only would create a 3rd group. 

FROM FACEBOOK LIZ:   ain’t happening... civil war is on the horizon when trump wins again. ===JACK:  I remember what my mother said when I was a little kid...."That is never going to heal if youy keep picking at the scab>"  

FROM LBP:  The parenting advice I’ve heard a lot in the last decade is to dislike the action or behavior, not the person. The communication class I just took at work talked about watching the stories we tell ourselves and being aware of when we make someone the villain or hero. Then, when we have our own narrative in check, we look to be aware of the other person's story and potential characterizations so we can find a common starting point.===JACK:  ...and the healing begins!

FROM ST PAUL IN ST PAUL:  i fully agree but it is hard to agree when the President has no idea what that word means.   still, we must all do what we can===JACK:  I can see that there's lots of healing to be done in your mind.  The wounds are deep and painful.

FROM WILLMAR REV:  We’ve got to hear, “Hear Comes the Judge” by Pigman Markham and his verdict first...my memory is still in tact enough to remember the Bush, Gore and the media challenge! 0;-)===JACK:  Are you holding your breath?  I'm not.

FROM RS:  The profuse bleeding must be stopped before any healing can begin. What a mess. ===JACK:  I like it, because I know where you stand.  No wishy-washy.