Imagine

Imagine if you were deathly afraid of refugees, terrorism, demographic change, immigrant crime, big government, someone taking away your guns, President Obama, gays getting married, the right to choose, paying taxes to benefit others, Muslims, blacks, not getting your fair share, evolution, climate change, atheists, a loss of religious liberty, Christmas without Jesus, and much more. Imagine the feeling if every day of your life you lived in total fear of the world around you, not just of a few things but of just about everything. And, imagine if those fears were consuming your entire life. Of course, some but not all of those fears may be legitimate, but, unfortunately, too many of our brothers and sisters are trapped by such all pervasive suffering.

Isn’t it time — instead of constant put-downs and criticism — we showed them some love, understanding, and compassion? Let’s put ourselves in their shoes. What if we had to live that way — every day? It’s something at least to think about as we approach a holiday season of spiritual reflection.