Is it important to take a stand?  Is it important to live your beliefs?  Can you live your beliefs without taking a stand? No matter your politics this quote has meaning for all people. 

“First they came for the socialists, and I did not speak out—because I was not a socialist.

Then they came for the trade unionists, and I did not speak out— because I was not a trade unionist.

Then they came for the Jews, and I did not speak out—because I was not a Jew.

Then they came for me—and there was no one left to speak for me.”

Martin Niemöller

I first read this quote in high school.  It resonated with me then and even more as I grew older.  The quote uses the word, “they”.  Are you part of the “they”? Do you think that because you are currently part of “they” that you will never be on the receiving end of “they”?

Every time we identify ourselves as part of a collective, we may be “they”.  Also we could be who “they” are coming for. Do we use the collective as inclusive or exclusive? What are the ramifications of identifying with the collective?  This requires critical thinking and an open mind.  Human beings can be driven by fear, greed, or moral superiority to think about these issues in a narrower context.  These thoughts and feelings are not an exhaustive list. 

Today are you “they” or “me”?  What thoughts and feelings drive your thinking process?  I know that I work daily to be inclusive just to find out how exclusive my thinking can be.  I work diligently to accept myself and others completely.  This in no way means that I condone all behaviors of humanity but put them in the context of culture, development, environment, and individual experiences for the purpose of understanding.  This of course is a process without end. But the process is critical for me to be able to be a loving member of humanity. 

Debbie

“If you see someone without a smile, give them one of yours.”  Father Joseph Martin

P.S.; if you would like to enhance your journey to being the best version of you possible, sign up for Authenticity; How Hard Can it Be? You will be glad you did.

https://www.debrajhackett.com/authenticity