New Blog Post #1 - Reset

 

It’s time to start writing a little bit more often. For those that don’t know, it has taken a while for me to get back to place in my life where I feel secure enough to express my thoughts; so, it’s time I start writing again.

             In the past, this blog has been a little more partisan than I would have liked. I thought about removing the old posts, but I decided to leave them as they are a part of my journey down the road of development as an American, a Texan, a veteran, a family man, and a Conservative. Often, my journey has been more of a moderate view of American Politics. So, I wanted to start this blog back up to make some points, spread some helpful information, and hopefully start some respectfully civil dialogue.

              Far too often today’s political discourse takes about five seconds to lose all semblance of civility and disintegrate into the ridiculousness found regularly on an elementary school playground.

 “No, I didn’t… Yes, you did… No, I didn’t… etc.”

             Far too many intelligent and respected people fear speaking out less they find themselves cancelled by some loud-mouth who makes their points through volume, interruptions, and absurdity rather than civil discussion and understanding (Side Note: I am a recovering “Loud Mouth”). They don’t listen to anyone who has a differing opinion, only a favorite news outlet, podcast, YouTube video, or alternative media source that puts out the information they want to hear – AND they’re on both sides of the political/social spectrum.

             So, I have decided to take this blog in a direction that promotes discussion of ideas. A place where you can agree or disagree and not be attacked or cancelled. I have my opinions on issues, and they are formed by my beliefs and my experiences. When I started this blog way back in 2009, I was like so many hyper-partisan people we see and hear from today. I never really listened to what someone was saying. I would often interrupt as I already knew what the other person was going to say and just wanted to get my point out as it was far more important than anything the other person had to say.

             After much soul searching, prayer, counselling, and repentance, I have learned so much better how to listen, how to empathize, and how to have an actual discussion of ideas rather and delivering a proclamation of why my opinion was right. With genuine interest, I can hear out the differing opinions and ideas of others. It may or may not change my mind, but I will listen and be open to the exchange of ideas to better understand what others think. I’m not perfect by any means, but this has helped me be a better husband, father, son, friend and Christian.

             Far too often people go through their day looking for the next argument or fight about the subjects of the day. What a harsh way to spend your time. We must realize the truth of life; we come into this world with nothing but the love of those around us and God-Willing we will be surrounded by the love of those around us when we depart this world. Remember that the next time you’re “looking for a fight.”

 In closing, I leave you with this:

We can disagree without being disagreeable,

We can have differences without division,

We can compromise without abandoning our principles,

And we can work together, and we should!

 

God Bless,

Bill