Jesus said, “Speak the truth in love.”
And the people said, “Yeah, but…”
How do you speak the truth in love when you are responding to words that hurt? To pictures that are so painful to see?
There are many moral issues being raised in the social and political discussions in our country right now. This is natural when we’re nearing an election. The controversial issues need to be discussed, and they get used as a way of boosting one candidate and discrediting another. It is, after all, a competition.
I’m not here to talk about politics or political candidates, but I’ve had the opportunity to speak with a number of people lately who are deeply fearful of the outcome of this election.
I’ve had the opportunity to speak with people on different sides of the major issues and intending to vote for different candidates, and one thing I’ve noticed – when we drill down to the basic concerns, we all want the same things.
Each of us wants safety, freedom and provision of basic needs. We just have differing viewpoints on what represents safety and what represents threats.
To point out the obvious – the issues are not new. They have been pretty consistent over many, many years.
Times of change bring uncertainty and stir up a lot of fear. They take us out of the present moment and into fear of the unknowns that reside in the future.
In the 3-D material world, we need to use the information to discern what we feel is best for us and our brothers and sisters. We have to make choices.
And we have to be careful not to get caught in the cross fire of the “he said, she said” shame and blame game, which contributes to the spread of negativity and darkness.
Each time we are faced with the elevated fears of uncertainty, we have a broader opening for healing. The wounds we carry individually and collectively are poked.
Right now we have an opportunity to heal some pretty deep wounds for ourselves and humanity, and thus increase the light in the world.
The true source of safety, freedom and provision is Allah, praise be to Him and Him alone.
If you find yourself being tugged and becoming uncomfortable, and if you find yourself engaging in hostile finger-pointing, check in with your heart. Is there a basic fear that is feeling threatened?
Take a minute to check your inner compass. Take a deep breath. Turn your heart to face Allah (swt) and ask for comfort and reassurance directly from the Source of healing, the Protector and Provider.
Allah calls each of us to know Him. Now is the time to turn our hearts to Allah and hold on to the light as tight as we can. The road might be a bit rocky, but we’re here to carry the light along the way.
With love and gratitude,
Mastura Graugnard on behalf of all your friends and family at UOS
