Editorial Reflections

What if forgiving has an impact on society?

           

What if? We often hear what ifs from a political perspective.

Media frequently offer "what if" options as if giving people in office ideas for what extent they might stretch a protocol, law or precedent. That's not news. That's opinion that borrows trouble in that we see it gives folks ideas they might not have considered.

So what about another scenario?

What if political leaders forgive each other and begin to work together to assure the common good, setting aside politics? What if we forgive others, too?

What if instead of creating fear we create solutions for those in the country illegally by giving them a legal channel to citizenship so they can continue to contribute to the economy and benefit from being here, rather than living in fear?

What if that spirit extends to people being assured they will be paid livable, just wages so they can afford education, housing, healthcare and food without depending on the government.

What if those who have accumulated billions don't ask the government to reduce their taxes but allow their funds to flow through government or give back through nonprofits to the society that made them wealthy?

What if communities have the will to create affordable, safe, decent housing so no one is on the streets in the cold or drizzle of winter or the sizzle of summer?

What if everyone has assurance that they will have enough food to eat each day?

What if people of faith, who may forgive misdeeds of some who break one or more of the 10 commandments, extend that forgiveness to others who have different emphases in their faith?

What if some who espouse being welcoming to all welcome those they disagree with and see as a threat to the diverse folks they welcome?

What if? Just pause to ponder about the power of possibilities for the new year and how the power of pardoning, forgiving and loving our neighbors and even our enemies might make a difference in our lives.

 Ah! Some may say forgiveness can't overcome the block to a relationship and the possibilities of working with someone who cheats, steals, lies, hates or with someone who is stuck in their opinions, on the streets, in poverty or in being a victim.

That may be true in the political—power based—realm, but what if we allow God's will to work in us and with us?

We assume that loving, forgiving or pardoning won't make a difference.

What if a pardon is what is needed?

What if that's not naive, stupid or letting down our guard?

We see efforts in Fig Tree stories of people trusting, risking, rising above their fears to live their lives in behalf of others.

It's about trying God's way or letting God have God's way, because our self-serving, power-seeking ways don't work.

What can letting go and letting God mean? We see evil and point fingers as if that protects us, but it may disempower us and further our victimization.

What if those who fear name-callers, hate-mongers and threat-makers forgive those who try to isolate, demean, bully or control them? It may disempower them.

We want restoration and justice. What will empower us? What risk does it take?

What do we risk losing by dropping our anxiety and fear? How do we rise above being a victim of hate?

We need to know forgiveness and reconciliation require truth, accountability, remembering history and sharing stories—and a willingness to work together for the wellbeing of everyone.

Is it just dreaming a ridiculous, improbable, impossible dream? What if?

Mary Stamp - editor