I was a political science major in college. That was after I was a biology major, then an education major, and then, I believe, an international relations major. I settled on poli-sci because I thought I might go to law school and the combination of the two seemed to make sense. I married a lawyer instead.
I say all this as a preface to making the point that politics interests me, and, as we all know, there’s a lot going on in the political sphere these days. That combination—my interest and all that’s going on—has caused quite a struggle inside of me. I’ve been very tempted lately to write about politics here in my newsletter. It hasn’t been easy to resist that temptation.
I believe in the power of words … the power of words to be an agent for change—in politics, social justice, education, matters of faith, daily living … the list could go on and on. For that reason, I believe writers play an essential role in society, perhaps I’d even call it a responsibility to instigate change for the better. Yet, I also believe each of us as citizens has that same responsibility, even if it’s “simply” to pray for change. We all play a role.
I’ve decided, however, to not use this space for political commentary. There are other avenues I can pursue for that purpose—Op-eds, Letters-to-the-Editor, articles. More importantly, I want “Tesstimonial” to sound a different kind of tone and message—of healing and hope, of restoration and transformation. And sometimes about dogs.
There’s another reason for staying away from politics in my newsletter and blog posts, a more personal reason and one that may resonate with some of you: As a highly sensitive person, I simply need a break from it. I can only absorb so much noise from outside my own head before I have to put up a protective shield and say, “No more for now.”
In Tesstimonial, I’ve created a “No Politics” zone for myself. What’s more, I want it to provide a refuge, not only for me, but for anyone else who needs it. I want to create a conversation that moves us in the opposite direction. Away from hateful rhetoric and toward hopefulness; away from tearing people down to building spirits back up. I want this to be one of the places where you find some quiet, peace, a reason to smile, and maybe even a thought to reflect on.
Am I turning a blind eye to the real world? Briefly … you bet! I like to think of it as escaping for a little while. And nothing provides an escape for me like writing.
But here’s the thing: I believe that writers writing about those other things can still bring about tremendous change. A message that’s hopeful, healing, restorative, or transformative can change the heart of anyone—no matter their position or situation in life.
I have to believe that:
- On any given day … the unexpected can happen.
- On any given day … a particular passage or prayer can soften a hardened heart.
- On any given day … sins can be forgiven, wrongs corrected, and apologies accepted.
- On any given day … truth, integrity, and civility can be restored.
- On any given day … the power of a single word can make a difference.
(Photo by Brett Jordan on Unsplash)