Broken Glass

Anyone who knows me knows that I’m a “glass half full” type of person.  I can look at anything and any situation and find the positive in it.  In all honesty, I can’t help it.  It’s what I naturally do.  And, I believe there is a time and a place where we all should strive to be “glass half full” people.  

However, I’ve also been compelled over the years to speak up for people that were being mistreated, talked bad about, alienated, etc.  These are also actions I cannot help.  It is very difficult for me, especially in places where I feel I have a voice, to allow people to verbally abuse or hurt others.  I believe my efforts to do this come from my Grandma Cora (rest in peace).  

I have come to realize that sometimes these efforts contradict each other.  My natural perspective is to try to view the world through a glass half full lens.  Yet, I see situations in the world that clearly demonstrate that the glass is not half full.  As a matter of fact, some situations make it appear that the glass, itself, has been broken.  In those instances, it is important to acknowledge and respond to the fact that something out of order with God’s will has occurred.  And, whether we speak on it, participate in a protest, pray about it, advocate for policy change, etc., we must act on it.  If we don’t act, things don’t change.  And, I believe God is calling all of us to be activists for a better world.  Will every human being be out in front leading as the drum major?  No.  But, we all must push ourselves to advocate for better.  

So, I guess this post is about encouraging my glass half full people to be careful not to retreat into silence in the midst of the world’s pain.  This world desperately needs our thoughts, actions, and prayers.