Certainly I have vented to the things troubling many others and me. So, it is only fair that I share some suggestions as to how in my opinion we all can make this holiday season a more loving season and really fulfill that which we say we follow and profess to be. Yes it is not about washing your hands but getting dirty with love of neighbor. Many of you are already and you know who you are and this does not apply to you. But how many more of us can make a difference, a real difference if we just got involved just a little bit more? It doesn't take a lot to accomplish. The real issue at hand is the many who will never ever read anything like this, go about their daily lives doing what they need to do, are successful and sadly really do not give one damn about the next guy. It is just a sad and realistic part of humanity that we all must deal with. Yet, if somehow we could all stop to consider how we could become more human toward one another then perhaps there is some hope?
1- the very first thing that comes to mind is the fact that we are all part of the human family and in order to effect change we need to focus on that awareness. It is really critical in relationship to change, a change in us and in society no matter what or where it is. Oh, yes and actually understanding in truth that we are in both mental and physical attributes and differences a mixed variety in anyway you wish to describe us. Yet, take off the outer shell we would not know one from the other except that we are all human. In fact many who hate and despise others because of that diversity may be shocked at their historical linage if it were ever examined closely.
2- perhaps, yes, just perhaps if one could hope, after we have really discovered that we are all human we can understand that we all fail, are weak and really need each other. We should start with those in power and we should start to care just what they say and what they do and especially when we feel what they say and do destroys other human beings in thought, word or deed. We should hold them accountable to that which they foster and create which harms others directly or indirectly by that thought, word or deed. We then can carry this over to every level of society that people comprise from work, to church and every other institution of society that we are involved with. It is carried from the poor all the way to the wealthy, from families to individuals and to all nations.
3- perhaps we can be more understanding of all our human frailties and not impose what we have accomplished or did, or expect from others because of what we accomplished but recognize once again there are many varieties of humans with all sorts of frailties, inhibitions, hurts, anxieties, fears, weaknesses, guilt and a host of other negatives that drag them down. We should acknowledge that if they choose the life they lead who are we to impose our will upon them, who they worship and why, they're laws, their culture, and their traditions. Perhaps a simple will you join us for lunch or how would you like to come over and sit with us or join us that is a simple act that may casue a huge change in people and yes even nations. Certainly in todays society many of us are protective and rightly so. Yet, we really do need to see that which cause the negative conditions and try to change them. It is not an easy taks becuase it has been growing throughout history. It is a fact gangs don't come about because of love, they start because of a lack of love and a search for it. Violence sometime starts with the loner, rejected and alone and finacially destroyed with no future who turns into the killer who in my opinion expresses anger, and revenge in their dreadful act.
4- once we can understand our humanness then we can apply that which millions of us and perhaps billions of us are supposed to do which is to profess God and the love that our God professes that we should give to all and we say we recognize and we must do as believers and followers.
So love is not in doing for family and friends, love is doing for the stranger in need. Love is making sure our leaders at all levels dot he things for the sake of people and not profits, money greed or exploitation becuase they have the power to influence significantly and make that change more profoundly. What can they and we do? That is to help that young family who is struggling to pay their rent, feed and clothe their children, pay the electric bill, put gas in the car, secure a job and not send them a collection letter, a threat, harassing calls, turn off their electric or put them on the street. How does one look the other way and yet show up for church on Sunday? How does the pastor, rabbi or priest allow it and not speak out? Love is taking care of the elderly alone with no one, no family and no friends. Love is taking care of that illegal worker far from home with no one and no family. Love is taking care of the sick and dying, those in prison, those in debt. So I must ask when I look at church, where are you? Oh I know you give but is it enough verses that new sanctuary, that new bus, that raise in salary, the new expanded choir when people are hurting?
How can we do this? We do it by removing judgment and we apply humanness, compassion, care and understanding. If we can do this but for one day to one person we can make a change. If we can do this everyday to one person it will grow and it will spread. It is getting to now how and people celebrate the days they do and its significance for them. It is opening your heart to them and closing the door of hatred. Now that is what we are to do. Not to just throw pennies into a pail, or write a check or give to that extra donation and wash out hands of it. No we are to be active, involved, participate. If we do not do this we all can profess all we want be in reality we are a hollow shell, the Easter Bunny for real. We look good on the outside but hollow inside.
Extend the hand of forgiveness, mercy, understanding, compassion, care and love and it will all of a sudden become a peace filled, joyous holiday for many who have not now or just may not have ever had? Now some who know my writing will most likey raise the question of illegal workers. However, they will certainly skirt what I am saying and try to apply something entirely different. So in answering them before they ask let me close with this. In showing love we do not have to break the law, or ignore it. Love, compassion, care and understanding is not applied separately from the sinner, it just does not condone the sin.
Robert T. Melaccio Sr. Copyright 2007 Robert Melaccio
