With the Washington state elections nearly behind us (as soon as the last ballot is counted) it is perhaps a time to muse on the various outcomes. Also to contemplate the national scene where it has become an “us-and-them” environment of dog-eat-dog divisiveness; where neither side comes to the table in good faith to try to work through the differences and still maintain friendship… at the very least, decorum.

The thoughts behind the writing of “Respecting Differences” comes from a photocopy of an article by The Rev. Dale Turner, former pastor at University Congregational United Church of Christ, and newspaper columnist. It was handed to me by a very dear friend who suggested I write a poem about the subject. Reverend Turner‘s writing resonated with me, and now, more than ever, his message has meaning for us all, and for our country.

* The Rev. Dale Turner (1917-2006)... described as “A loving pastor, capable of strong stands.”

RESPECTING DIFFERENCES

Democracy is not the assumption of leadership
By the few who have won the election;
But is based on the wisdom, the conscience and participation
Of the many who will shape the direction.

It’s the give and take in our society that makes
Our nation strong and viable to the rest.
When everyone thinks alike, nobody thinks!
How we work together and communicate is the test!

Divisiveness and making the other person wrong
For having a point of view that differs
From one we hold is not the way to solve
Any problems. It just makes matters worse.

It’s not our differences that divide us. Oh, no!
It is our inability to recognize and accept…
That not everyone thinks or believes the same.
Respect for others will win! (What a concept!)

Respect for ourselves guides our morals,
While respect for others guides our manners.
Respecting others’ opinions does not necessarily mean
We drop our own, and carry their, banners!

Appreciating the similarities is the first step, I believe,
To communication between opposite opinions;
Then respecting the differences while in discussion…
Giving the relationship the most important attention.

The respect we show to others (or the lack thereof)
Immediately reflects on or own self-respect.
Show respect to people whether they deserve it or not.
It doesn’t define their character, but it’s yours it does reflect.

Speak your honest convictions and feelings,
And prepare to live with the consequences.
Remember to appreciate your similarities,
And don’t forget to respect the differences!

One of the definitions of the word Mosaic is an art piece which is "composed of a combination of diverse elements,” a seemingly perfect description of the makeup of our world’s population. While we do appear to be quite diverse — language, skin color, even the type of costuming we wear to express our uniqueness -- in our hearts and souls, are we not more similar than different? Our needs (not wants) are the same: food, shelter, safety for us and for our children, education, etc.

The poem MOSAIC, expresses my interpretation of the world as it might be… people from all over the world working together toward common goals to make this a better and safer world for us and for future generations.

MOSAIC

None of us is alone in this world.
We are each a vital piece of the whole…
The whole of humanity, the entire population…
That’s nation by nation, each and every soul.

We’re a Mosaic, not of groups, but of individuals.
We each carry a host of cultural influences.
The Mosaic is held together by the common pursuit of happiness;
The most powerful mortar, its strength is immense.

We are not a melting-pot, but a beautiful Mosaic
Of different backgrounds, beliefs, and different colors of skin.
We’re all immigrants who bring the beauty of our origins
To be anchored in a new culture where we are all kin.

It’s “Back to School,” now that September has arrived, and time to settle into the familiar fall, winter and spring routine of learning: kids back to school; travel to far-away and interesting places about which to learn; interesting speakers on tour… the possibilities for learning are endless!

As September’s Poem of the Month infers, education is a lifelong experience, and learning how to learn at an early stage will make the lifelong experience more exciting and satisfying.

Wherever you are in your lives, remember: learning never stops as we age unless we stop it. Have a wonderful season.

EDUCATION

It’s been said that a good education
Is one’s passport to a more meaningful life.
Though your lives may be filled with uncertainties,
With education you’ll function with less strife.

Oprah Winfrey says, “Education is the key
To unlocking the world.” (as you learn)
The knowledge you gain will give you perspective,
Understanding, and the power to discern.

If you develop a passion for learning
You will never cease to grow.
Anyone who stops learning is old,
No matter how much they know.

The purpose of education is to replace
An empty mind with one that’s receptive.
You learn more every day if you pay attention.
With openness of mind, you are more perceptive.

Education is not the learning of facts,
But the training of the mind to think.
Tomorrow belongs to those who prepare today.
Knowledge is there at the font. Take a drink.

There’s no guarantee that education will be easy.
Very little worth having is easy to acquire.
Education is not the filling of a pail.
No, education is the lighting of a fire.