Reflections on Miller

"Nothing is going to change in the Congo until you and I figure out what is wrong with the person in the mirror." --Donald Miller, Blue Like Jazz.

 

I like this quote because you could consider "the Congo" a metaphor for anything--politics, social change, etc. Eleven years we managed to put our differences aside after having our hearts struck down, but have we remembered what we learned about the fleeting nature of life then? Now we just bicker and make up fake stories about our leaders so we can promote our sides, as if the election of one individual is going to ruin your life. You can ruin your life with your outlook, or you can make it better by working to make it better. Or you can listen to people like Donald Trump who get a thrill out of being jerks and telling people off. We focus on the negative and stir up controversy and create negative connotations with words or ideas that aren't really negative...that are sometimes pure in their nature. We bastardize and capitalize upon religion and turn great minds away from beautiful principals so that we can promote our selfish needs...and all the while Jesus says to give up our lives for each other, for the less fortunate, and we're okay preaching that, but we don't anyone to tell us to give our money or time to someone else who needs it. God forbid. 

But remember this--you can only ignore good for so long, you can break people down with kindness, you can inspire, whether you are 19, 35, or 75. You can join the corrupt or you can ignore them and start and be your own community of greatness. You don't have to buy in to what they tell you or show you--figure it out for yourself. If you don't trust them, then do your research and prove them wrong. Work hard, and prove them wrong. Be nice, and prove them wrong. 

Life will go on whether you get taxed this amount or that one. Life will go on, I promise. It doesn't mean we shouldn't care about these things, but after your work is done and your vote is cast, it is time to move forward. There are many people, too, that are trying to move us forward. You do not read of or hear about these people, but they walk among us. Be like them and put your own twist on things--that's what keeps life interesting. I get paid to see the seedlings of the future. Perhaps I get to sort them, throw them hopefully into some prolific soil. I can tell you, though, the future is good if you want it to be. There are good kids out there who want to do good. Be a role model for them. Stop your bickering, and remember change in Congo starts today, if you want it to. And kindly remember those who left us too soon, and those who are in jeopardy of leaving us too soon. We toast to you, today. God Bless...