The Big Sandy Mountaineer -

While I was at a conference recently a statement was made that has stayed with me. She said, "Remember in this day and age perception is more powerful than truth." It reminded me how currently to many people only listen to, read articles and books, and watch only the news that already proves what they believe. Our perception drives our vision.

It reminded me of a photo I took. It had been a very stressful day. I took my camera and went for a walk down Hopp Road. I had walked this gravel road so many times, but I was hoping to discover something new, something incredible to lift my spirits. I walked by a barb-wire fence where some farmer had balled up all the extra barbed wire and pushed onto the steel fence post. I walked past it but then returned. I stood there for a while thinking about the day, how my attitude had affected by decisions, my comments, and realized how the picture was a true picture of myself. I took the picture because it was a self-portrait for sure! All balled up with sharp barbs for anyone that got close.

But that photo now reminds me of how we have treating one another during these political times. While surfing the web I found this quote, "Should civility be based on mutual contempt rather than mutual respect?"

I'm looking forward to a time where we can celebrate our connections, a time where we can be supportive of our differences without belittling. A time we can live in our small community where our faith directs how we think and talk. James 3:9 (NIV) "With the tongue, we praise our Lord and Father, and with it we curse human beings, who have been made in God's likeness." James 3:13 (NIV) "Who is wise and understanding among you? Let them show it by their good life, by deeds done in the humility that comes from wisdom."