Still Love in Hard Times

There is idea that is attributed to the German bishop Nicholas of Cusa that goes like this:

“The first thought that goes through your mind is what you have been conditioned to think. What you think next defines who you are.”

It’s also basically the dual process theory of cognition, where we first make quick judgements based on what we were taught to think and then reflect on those judgements (and hopefully why we made them) and either reinforce those quick judgements or evolve those judgements.

There seems to be a great deal of snap judgements going on in this world, especially in the country of my nativity. There is a great deal that tend to cause divisions. The ideas that ALL men are created equal and Liberty and Justice for ALL … well, that seems to be falling by the wayside as the divides seem to widen and every day it seems we’re told we need to hate something else. It becomes more “us versus them” every single day.

With that first thought, we see prejudices instead of people. We see rhetoric instead of the hurt inflicted by that rhetoric. We see only what we have been told to see, instead of what truly is there. And often, what is truly there is all smoke and mirrors. It’s a label that divides. It’s a story that is left unheard and unwritten. It’s a failing we are unwilling to shed light on.

But that second thought…. there is potential there. There is a moment to see the light that allows us all to see another person instead of just that label that has been thrown out there. It allows us to build bridges to other people and worlds we did not know. It allows us freedom to see the world as it could be, not as rhetoric declares it must be.

But in order to do that, we also must be willing to see our own failings and errors. We have to shed light on who we are defined as and decide whether or not that is who we want to be. And that idea is uncomfortable. It makes us reflect on whether or not we like who we are and why we got to where we are. It makes us challenge preconceived notions about what makes people the way they are. It makes us have conversations we may not want to have and forces growth we don’t want to see. But sometimes, the end process is magical. We are stretched. We are defined. And we are better for it.

“It’s when I think to reach across those battle lines / And still love in the hard times / Sometimes I just want to feel your hand in mine / Still love in the hard times.”

~ Love in Hard Times written by Jars of Clay (Stephen Mason, Charlie Lowell, Dan Haseltine, Matt Odmark)

We need to find the ability to love even in the hard times, even when we see those prejudices and labels. And we need to be willing to see past those labels and prejudices to see the magic in the person.

Overcome the prejudices that have defined you. Break down the barriers that keep you from seeing people as people instead of labels. Let that second thought that defines you be one that is magical and changeable. Let it be empathetic. Let it be full of light, hope, peace, joy and lots of love for everyone in this world. Let that be what defines you in this world of hate, rhetoric and division.

Don’t be afraid to reach across the battle lines. Love in the hard times.

Stay magical.

Write your own story.

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