Don’t Give Up

Ari, Jezziah and Owen.

You are the most precious gifts that God gave me. Your mom and I are so proud of what you have and will become. One of the things that I want you to know about life that I’ve learned over my very short time here on earth is that God gave you a spirit of love and joy; one that is free to explore the gifts that He gave you.

Don’t give up.

If you’re not struggling at something, then it’s not worth doing. But you also must have passion. You must know that what you’re doing has a “why” – and a reason that will either “Love God” or “Love people”.

I don’t know where you’ll end up in your lives, but I hope that I will serve as an example to you about living a life that honors God – and not for the temptations that this world so easily brings.

I have a story for you, that I think you would like to hear.

It’s June 6, 2021 and it’s 12:51 a.m. It’s way too late for me to be writing this, but I was feeling inspired and reminded of my past, and thought I would write something for you to understand later. It’s been about a week and a half since I left my last job that I’ve been at for the last 9 years. The company was purchased three times in the last year – once by my long time friend Stephen “Steve” Barger and his wife, the president of the company, then owner. Then Steve pulled me aside for lunch on our own to let me know that he was selling the company to SecurAmerica. I was shocked and upset. I’d like to say that I was perfect in my response, but I didn’t really much say anything at all. Mostly because just before that, he mentioned that a coworker of mine would be promoted to Vice President.

It was in that moment that I felt silence. I felt what it was like to be betrayed. At least, that’s what it felt like in the moment. But, I also felt relief, because I didn’t have to tell the people that I had worked with for so long, that the company that was like family, actually was just a materialistic empire underneath it all, and the company was selling to the competition – a lifeless organization. I’d later learn that that was more true than I thought. The relief I felt was that I did not have to be the one to lead that explanation. I think that feeling was a bit of a cop out, but it was what it was. And there it was. I generally have had a pretty steady and level-headed response to about anything that has been thrown at me, but I chose silence this time. After all, “a wise man once said nothing.”

Just a few short months later, the company sold again to Allied Universal. I think this was the biggest shocker of them all, but it was again, what it was. Nothing that could be done for anything. I felt like the company was selling to the enemy for sure, this time. Steve was very upset, but he was also making a cool 15 or so million from the deal. What more could he want? He sold it, and just like that, they did what they wanted with the company.

This new company was just as lifeless as it sounded. The company was headed by Steve Jones – a man with little inspiration but for money, growth and fame. His book was pretty ridiculously written; focused on platitudes and good feelings absent any real advice. But, what more could one expect from another man? He certainly wasn’t/isn’t God, despite his acquisition notice of G4S going into “eternity”. This was one of those moments that really reminded me that this was not the company for me.

Another was when I was offered a Director of Operations role over Amazon Corporate with 64,000 hours under my responsibility – approximately 1,300 employees. No one in their right mind would turn down an opportunity like that, right? Well, here’s the problem. I didn’t know what they were paying for that role. So let me tell you a little about what I was making: $111,000 + 20% bonus over approximately 10,000 hours and 400 people. There’s no way that the math carries forward to mirror that responsibility. They also didn’t post the wage. So, I offered to do the job for $250k. Because… why not? Based off some really bad napkin math, they were pulling approximately $6 million in profit over and above their expenses. Why would they not want to pay someone that was the right fit? I certainly was willing to work for them, but I didn’t want to be a slave.

Anyway, you’re getting the picture now: it wasn’t received well. Almost a joke, really. But, I think in my naivety of the situation, God really showed me that they didn’t care about me, because conversation really broke down from there. They began to show their true colors. At least, the Regional Vice President did. I’m certain he was cordial because he had to be, but he didn’t much like me. I also didn’t like being labeled as someone that only wanted to do something for money. Because that’s not who I am. I would have done the job for my current salary, if I didn’t feel like I was going to be their slave. It was the largest company in the world on the largest account after all – and I promised them that I would not let it be a headache for them. And I meant that.

But you learn about people when you push them to be uncomfortable. Their true colors have a hard time of hiding themselves. Just keep going, and never give up on what you’re trying to accomplish. Because you know what happened after this date. God, was on the move. And even the largest company on their largest account could stand in the way of God’s plan for us. A time for us to grow closer together as a family, with Him at the center.

Don’t Burn Bridges

Ari, Jezziah, and Owen (And little miss Oakley, still on the way!)

That letter that I wrote about not giving up? Still applies. Turns out that relationship that I had built (a very little one) with the RVP at AUS turned out to be not that bad. As we all learn in situations in hind-sight, (much like the saying, “hindsight is 20/20”) I needed to maintain that relationship enough that I wasn’t crossing the bridge, but I wasn’t burning it either. I sat shoulder to shoulder with that man in negotiations with SEIU6 for security contractors operating in the Seattle Area. Turns out he’s a decent guy – a lonely one by that; but an okay guy. I don’t think that changes my opinion about the acquisition machine of AUS, as he was very open about how he liked and hated his job equally, and I couldn’t help but notice that there was some reluctancy about the decision he made to stay and continue to stay with the company that approached him with a dangling carrot to keep him working there.

All that to say that you should be like Jesus in every interaction – a lesson that I will continue to learn throughout my life. Even though it may be difficult, and you would like nothing else but to see your enemies face down in the dirt and triumph over them, there’s no reason for you to burn a bridge, because at the end of the day, we are all human. And as Jesus says, the battle is God’s – not ours. Jesus did this when he allowed the religious leaders to persecute him, the guard to have his ear back after it was chopped off while he was being betrayed by Judas, and while he hung on the cross, murdered by the Romans. We will never fully understand why God is the way that he is, but we should at least try to understand some very basic things about His love: 1. His love is everlasting, and 2. it is for everyone – you need only accept his love and declare that he is Lord and that He died for your sins.

Life is crazy like that then. How crazy of an idea it is in a day like today where we should love our enemies. It’s an idea that is incredibly different than the divisive rhetoric that leaders/politicians/news media outlets are peddling these days. But like it, and perhaps more understood to great secular leaders of our day: don’t burn bridges. You’ll never know when you need to cross them again; and if nothing else, remember it’s a commandment by God: love God with all your heart/soul/mind, and love your neighbor as yourself. You don’t always have to like your neighbor, but you must love them.

My hope is that you will take that into every interaction, and even if the judge says that you have a right to be mad, that you don’t. That you forgive, so that you can be forgiven with that same tenor. God says for what you sow, you shall also reap. Be loving, forgiving and care for one another and your neighbors.

That’s not to say that this world is not full of it’s issues, and that you should go out and trust everyone. There are definitely people that do not have the best of intentions. Be wary of whom you trust, but love your neighbor as yourself. You wouldn’t want everyone in your business, or to have to talk to everyone, so love your neighbor like that. If their house is burning down and you don’t really like them, don’t let that keep you from dialing 911 for them, or rushing to them to aid them in their moment of need. Bring blankets, food, water; allow them to stay in your house; bless them, and the Lord will bless you bountifully. God demands that we even treat our masters with the same tenor. Love, and be loved.

I am so proud of each of you, and I am lucky to be your father. I pray each of you finds the salvation to lead a God-fearing life full of love and forgiveness for yourselves and others.

I love you always,

Dad

I have Long COVID

TL;DR – here’s some research that I’ve learned about long COVID, that your PCP or ER doctor doesn’t know. I wanted to share some best practices that I’ve seen. I, like everyone else, am still trying to figure this out, and often feel like I am all by myself trying to figure that out. An excellent article talking about this issue is from the NY Times.

I first want to say that I’m not a doctor.

But, I am a social scientist – which doesn’t mean a whole lot other than I know how to research and quantify/qualify sources of information based on the information presented – I also know how to read a research study and understand it’s findings and evaluate biases and scope.

I’ve had Long COVID (LC) since November 2021.

I finally feel like I’ve found the thing that made me feel better (and by that I mean, I don’t think I’ve actually solved anything except a major depressive symptom of my own). What worked for me was a result of having low Vitamin B12 levels. My iron was also low and much to be desired. I’m still exploring this one, as I know it’s not good to have too much Iron. Another woman shared this same story.

My LC symptoms look like a constellation of issues and various diseases. They include or included:

  • Extreme Fatigue
  • Dizziness
  • Lightheadedness
  • Brain Fog (Best description I’ve heard is that it’s like a cotton ball in your head)
  • Headache
  • Chest Pain
  • Heart Palpitations
  • Extreme Heart Rate Variability
  • Forgetting words or having difficulty finishing a thought
  • Pulsations/Tremors in all of my muscles, but especially from my diaphragm
  • Anxiety
  • Inability to Sleep / Sleep Well (insomnia)

Much to my dismay, every day feels like a different day. Which is good and bad. Because there are days that are definite bad days, and I don’t want to do anything. But there are good days as well. A good day looks like I don’t feel like I’m going to pass out. The average day for me feels like I’m teetering on the edge, where I’m feeling functional most of the day until about 2 or 3, and then around that time, I’m looking for somewhere to lay down for the rest of the day.

What have my doctors said? Much to the dismay of many LC individuals, I’ve been told everything from doctors being concerned that I’m having a heart attack, a stroke or something in between – but then, after every test is completed, nothing. You appear to be physiologically fine. Follow up with your PCP.

Needless to say, this is a hard thing for anyone to go through, especially LC patients. We are constantly examined under a microscope by friends, family and coworkers that what we are going through is apparently exaggerated or made up. I can tell you confidently that is not the case, and there is help for you in this arena, if you want to reach out. I joined the Long COVID support group on Facebook, and it was such a relief to know that I was not alone, much like sufferers of any other mysterious disease. It was also a relief to see that the US Department of Health Human Services and US Department of Justice released joint guidance on LC being a Disability under the ADA. President Biden also announced yesterday that he is wanting the federal government to look into this more.

There is hope.

Here are some of the things that I’ve read through, that I think are interesting conversation starters with your doctor, if you have LC:

Here are some things that you should ask your doctor should rule out for you:

  • Vitamin Deficiency (B12, Folate, Iron & Ferritin)
  • Blood-Brain Barrier reactivated viruses/diseases/parasites
  • Glutathione (GSH) levels

All of these things are way cheaper than going to the ER 5 or 6 times like I went, and 100% more productive as well, unless they are also up to date on the research being conducted. I’ve also seen some research in several other areas and treatments that may help as well, including:

The fight to the finish is obviously a group one – here are other articles sharing the same insight here from my own experience:

  • https://experiencelife.lifetime.life/article/how-to-treat-long-haul-covid/
  • https://orthomolecular.activehosted.com/index.php?action=social&chash=6f3ef77ac0e3619e98159e9b6febf557.213&s=6039e875e9433b4654d216aca2c64d85
  • https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-8pIW06vpko (Vagus Nerve)

Wherever you are in this fight, you’re not alone.

I’m still in this fight myself, and continue to look for answers; but I wanted to share that Vitamin B12 has been the only thing that has shown the most dramatic effect on helping me through my current symptoms, and while I know it won’t help everyone, maybe it will help you too – but as always, you should talk with your doctor to check your levels before taking any supplements. (As a complete side note, my sleep has also dramatically improved, due to the relationship between B12 and natural melatonin)

(My working theory for myself at this moment is that COVID is hanging out in my small intestine and blocking micronutrient absorption (much like a parasite))

I’ll post more, as I learn more or go through more myself. 🙂

Here is my current regimen:

  • Claritin 10mg twice a day
  • B12 (methylcobamalin and hydrocobalamin in one) 750-1000mcg (Taken in 250mcg doses 3-4 times a day, but never after 6pm)
  • Quercetin (on bad days, on and off schedule)
  • Vitamin C + Acerola 500mg (waning this one down)
  • Ashwaghanda once a day
  • Ancient Probiotics (just added prebiotics due to bloating)
  • Grape Seed Extract
  • Magnesium
  • Small Multivitamin
  • PepZinGI
  • Occaisional Fish Oil and Turmeric
  • Nightly two tea bags of chamomile tea
  • I also use Apollo Nuero to sleep – surprisingly very effective and necessary on high-stress days.

Life Is About Love

It was last night, as tears soaked down my wife’s cheeks, remembering her step dad who passed away just a week or so ago, that God spoke to me clear words that brought my wife comfort. Life is about love.

Adam and Eve consumed the fruit of the tree of knowledge, and became aware of right and wrong. We know too well from our lives that it’s very easy to know right and wrong. Some of us may even hold onto that knowledge, and lack the understanding and wisdom that comes from love. And still those who do, struggle with applying that in their lives. I certainly am one of those, and am not perfect.

When Jesus was asked what the most important law, it clearly was not a mistake that he said two things: love your God with all your strength and all your might, and love your neighbor as yourself. Love is gentle, love is kind…

I miss my father-in-law, and it was such a tragedy to lose him in my hands to something that was preventable. I know God had a plan for him though, and I know that His love for us was greater than what we think that moment may do to define us. I also know that my father-in-law Fer loved and was loved by God. To be sure, he was the closest person in my life that I knew had the greatest love and admiration for God. No question in my mind, that he had finished his race, and is with Jesus.

So love is… life. That’s what we’re here for. That’s what the purpose of life is. We are to learn to love, and love wholly, and abundantly, our Creator, and each other. My hope is that you’ll feel that truth, and know that He knows you by name, the hairs on your head, and knitted you together in your mother’s womb; from the moment of first breath, until the moment we go home, we are to learn to love, and love with all our strength, with all our soul, and all our mind.

Nice Guys Finish Last

So the last shall be first, and the first last: for many be called, but few chosen.

Matthew 20:16

Ariana, Jezziah and Owen –

It’s not easy to be last all the time. To remain quiet and wait for others to be done speaking. To let others be first. To give away something that was once yours. To do the right thing when no one is looking.

At the end of your life, you’ll be able to say to yourself:

I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.

2 Timothy 4:7

The King will reply, “Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.”

Matthew 25:40

So, life is not meant to be easy, and you are not meant to be first. But, you are meant to serve as an example to others.

You are the salt of the earth. But if the salt loses its saltiness, how can it be made salty again? It is no longer good for anything, except to be thrown out and trampled underfoot. You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.

Mathew 5:13-16

Be courageous in your faith. This world is lacking that in so many ways. Especially now in this day. I was, and never will be perfect at this, but it is something that I try to do everyday. There was a time in my early twenties where I actually said to God, “Bring the rain, Jesus” – because I knew that with rain, flowers grow. I knew that with pain and suffering, my weakness would make Jesus’ love known.

You do not need to be a pastor to preach. You do not need to stand on a pulpit to preach. You do not need an infinite source of money to spread love. You do not need to have a million friends or fame or fortune to speak into people’s lives. All you need is love and faith.

“Teacher, which is the greatest commandment in the Law?” Jesus replied: “Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.” This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: “Love your neighbor as yourself.” All the Law and the Prophets hang on these two commandments.

Matthew 22:36-40

I know that would be hard if you have someone in your life that makes your life challenging. I know that feels difficult when you have a dream that conflicts with the love that God gave you. We have to set aside our earthly desires and store our treasures up in heaven:

Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moths and vermin destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moths and vermin do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.

Matthew 6:19-21

You’ll be challenged in your life to lie, cheat or steal, because the temptations are of the flesh. Those who say they are never tempted, are not honest with themselves. Remember in those moments where that opportunity is presented, that God is always there with you, and He will never forsake you.

No temptation has overtaken you except what is common to mankind. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when yo are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can endure it.

1 Corinthians 10:13

My hope for you is simple: that you would love God, and not let the pride of having those who surround you looking to you for direction, blind you from your faith and love in Christ. You were meant for great things in this life, and I couldn’t be more proud of you all. Whether you become a janitor, a doctor, lawyer, beautician, singer, soldier, dietician, electrician, linesman, office worker, hole digger or dirt mover. I mean, you could do and be anything in this world, and I would be proud of you. My only hope is that you would do that with God; and He will never leave you.

So when life is hard, remember that even though you may finish last; finishing first is not the mission: the mission is to love God, and love people, and help each other finish the race together. One day, our broken bodies will be reunited together with Christ in heaven.

Your mother and I are so proud of you all, and we love being your parents. We can’t wait to see what you become!

Life Is…

Short, sweet, long, tearful, joyful, wonderful, mysterious.

I thought I knew what I wanted in my life. I thought I knew what my life would look like. I think the more that it goes on, the less I really know. I know that God has a plan for it all. I just don’t know what that is.

I love my little family. How busy my life has been since I’ve been married, I’ve been so singularly focused with a laser focus on completing this one project, I feel like I’ve lost focus on what God really wants for me. I’ve been in a lot of pain, emotionally and physically lately. I lost a job that I’ve been at for nearly the last decade. It was sold right beneath my feet, and I feel like I’ve lost a family.

I know that there’s no going back to that, and this life is about moving forward. I’m so thankful to have Aly in my life; that she has never left me, despite the trouble I have given her all these years. I know that loving me is probably not easy. I’m so thankful though that I have her and my three beautiful kids. I really want this next chapter in my life to be focused on God, and focused on my kids. That’s what I really want.

I’m feeling this way because I watched the movie “Fort Bliss” on Amazon Prime. It makes me sad to see that this woman was not able to connect with her son as close as she would like because she was deployed three times to Afghanistan. I know the hardship of military life, as I’ve heard the stories. I’ve even come close to having to have that burden on my plate. I don’t think that I would have the amazing life that I have now if I had gone down that path. My youngest son Owen is at a stage where he is always clinging to me for everything. It’s amazing, and beautiful. And I don’t know what I would do if I didn’t have that in my life. I’m so in love with my children. I don’t know if I care right now that the next chapter of my life in work doesn’t have meaning – as long as I am able to watch my kids grow up and be present in their lives.

I want to be different. I want to have more energy and not be in so much pain. I want my back and neck to not be in pain. I want to love my wife and family with the same passion that I know is deep inside me. I don’t want my lack of work to define me. I don’t want any future work to define me either. I also do not want to be a slave to it, but I don’t know how to do that with our standard of living. I don’t want to start a company because I want to be there for my kids. I want to watch them grow up, and be there for them to teach them along the way. I don’t know why I give so much deference to work.

Lord, please grant me the strength to let go. Please help me no longer be bound by these chains of identity in work. Lead me to be a better husband, father, friend. Please fill my heart with love, passion, joy and humility. Please, draw close to me; please help me to feel your warmth next to me. I thank you Jesus; in your precious name, Amen.

New Beginnings

Two roads diverged in a wood, and I—
I took the one less traveled by,
And that has made all the difference.

ROBERT FROST

It’s tough being at the crossroads of life and wondering what it would be like to go down all the roads that are ahead of you. I’m pretty sure this is why Costco’s business model is so successful. Less choices means less contemplating those realities.

I am so thankful for the last decade of my life. The people that I’ve met, the experiences I’ve had, and the change that I’ve been responsible for. I know that God has a plan for me and my beautiful family. What that is, I’m not quite sure; but for sure, I can say that He has always been faithful.

My hope is that the road that I take, will impact even more people. That I will change lives in ways that I could never do in the path that I was on. My hope is in God, and that He will use me for good. To show this world that there is hope; there is light; and there is a way through. I want to be a part of a community of people that are united in changing people’s lives; I want to have an impact in those lives, so that they may better serve others; that I would serve the servants of the God Most High.

The King will reply, ‘Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.’

MATTHEW 25:40

This is what I want for my life. This is what I want to teach my children, and what I want them to think of me. That I was there for them and others, and that I gave everything of me to Jesus, and His children. My hope is that my next adventure will align my faith and vocation.

I made a decision the other day at the crossroads of my life. I chose not to follow money; fame; fortune; title. A snare in this world that would have been far too difficult to turn away from, had I not had His blessings in my life. I don’t know what this next part of my life looks like. But I know that He is there guiding me through.

My hope is that you know that too!

Here’s to new beginnings.

Rise Up

This was the tune of my day.

How are you doing?

Turn off your Facebook, Twitter, Insta-everything. Shut your door. Close your eyes. Remember that you are loved. Listen to this song. You will rise up again.

We need more love. More patience for each other. No one is perfect. You, nor I, could ever be everything that anyone could ever need. But, a smile, a hug, a friendly gesture – whatever you can do to restore peace – do that.

Philippians 4:8 says, “whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things.”

I can humbly accept the outcome of this election. In fact, I welcome it, for the sole reason that what has followed has been peace in my heart, and others. Because the fighting has subsided.

A vaccine is on the way, treatments are gaining traction, civility has begun to overcome unrest and common sense has entered the minds of those who make decisions. Friends, we have a long way to go, but I pray that we all remember that God sits on the throne, and that He loves each and every one of us for who we are. My life has been challenging the last couple of weeks as anyone else’s – but I’m thankful for my family, and the support that they have given me in these crazy times.

Dear Law Enforcement

Not everyone hates you. The rhetoric you hear before you on the thin blue line is the noise of your brothers and sisters who are hurting. When you are hurt, it is difficult to put to words, the things that are most important. It doesn’t mean that what they are trying to say is not important. I know you know that; you wake up tirelessly everyday with the wisdom of the sheepdog, looking after the flock, even if they don’t know what’s best for them. Even if they bite, you don’t bite back. Remember, and never forget this; because you will come out stronger because of it.

You’ve had only a little to do with the world that has evolved around you; but you’ve been a resolute protector notwithstanding. Every. Single. Day.

There are bad people in this world. There are bad teachers. There are bad fathers. Bad Lawyers, bad doctors, bad celebrities, bad governors, bad priests, bad accountants, and bad baby sitters… There’s a lot of bad in this world, and there are certainly a lot of bad police officers.

But like all of these professions, not all of them are bad.

I’ve read a lot of hateful, resentful and ignorant words the last few days… my favorite, “Defund the Police”. And then there was this gem, from Seattle Public schools: “Reevaluate our our relationship with the Seattle Police Department”.

I’m reevaluating my relationship with Seattle Public Schools, too. I digress.

People are scared. People don’t have the answer, and the internet is a fiend… Anonymity gives people the feeling that they can say whatever they want, and do whatever they want. You know this. You know this, because your friends have broken bones, bruises and lacerations from the criminal element of people stealing the important message of change away.

I see you, LEOs. You are not alone.

There is still good in this world, and that message of de-funding comes form a position of “privilege” of the uninformed.

While the exhortation of the unheard permeates your mind, as they are the forefront of this news cycle, the need for change does remain; but let’s do it different, and get back to the basics of human interaction and community building, and away from COMPSTAT policing. Because like any company who cares about their people, people are not numbers. You’re heading in the right direction.

As there are bad actors in all professions, policing is no different. But, the impact that the sheepdog has on this world is felt around the world. We hear your pain, and we want you to know that we support you, and as a friend, we’re here to help, to make the necessary changes to illuminate your character, while like in any profession, weeding out the bad. The irony of that statement, is that because police departments across the nation have such a wide array of differing skills, training, expectations and manpower, getting there will actually likely mean funding the police more.

Last I checked, my master’s degree still cost me 5 very large figures… while education is still not a public good (but perhaps it should be), assisting the police to be any better, will not be cheap. Nor do most realize that the funding for most police department is squarely fixated on labor costs alone… De-funding the police would mean reducing officer counts, and the difficulty of feeling alone and not being able to get to everything was a problem before all of this started…

No one grounded in our current position with a level head believes that will all just go away. We can definitely pray for that day to come, as we know that you would love to hang up your hat, only knowing that the ones you love, the ones you get up in the morning to protect and serve, are safe.

So while you go to bed at 5 am only to turn around to go back to work again at 9 am, know that you are not alone, and that there is still hope in this world; Jesus is still King – and I’ve got your back. We’ve got your back. To the men and women in law enforcement, We love you, and we appreciate all that you do to keep us, and even the people that mean to harm you, safe.

Sincerely, Me.

Tragedy and Change

George Floyd’s murder was preventable. I believe we can all agree to that. If you’ve already stopped reading, that’s okay, this message is not for you.

As much as his murder was preventable, there are systemic issues that are at play, that you yourself, are likely culpable. You might believe that the far left is crazy. You might believe that the far right is disconnected. If you believe both, you might fall somewhere in the middle where millions of Americans are. Is it the majority? Depends on how you look at it.

Then, there is the battle cry of the ideological far left, desperately demanding change. But wait, are they the only ones advocating for change? It’s actually a tug-of-war.

Here’s the thing – neither of these groups, or even you, will ever win this tug-of-war as-is. Since 1904, of voting-age Americans, voter turnout has never been more than 63% for the Presidential popular vote. Does this metric really mean anything? Not really, since the Electoral College is the one that determines the winner of the election. While defection of pledged votes remains rare, and any compact between states is overshadowed by “faithless elector” laws.

What? You don’t know about those things? Are you even still with me?

Educate yourself. Educate your neighbors. Accept nothing but the relentless pursuit of knowledge and wisdom. But definitely wisdom. You can know everything in the world, or at least think you do, and end up like Derek Chauvin, making a difficult call in a difficult job, in a difficult situation, the wrong way, and end up divorced. While you’re at it, don’t accept everything you hear as knowledge; carefully consider the things that you read or hear about in the news, because far and few in between are news sources that will give you objective information without a slant of some sort, and you’ll be certain to be bombarded by anything that sells their airtime. In fact, fact check this message.

Life is hard then. How does anyone make sense of all this? I can’t say I have the answers for you, but I can tell you where you can’t get your opinion. You can’t get your opinion from social media, a single news article, or even this post. As humans, we try to simplify everything that we do, so that we don’t have to work as hard. I’m guilty of that myself, and I work on complex problems for a living. Breaking windows, looting stores and otherwise damaging people’s property in the name of a man who has suffered from an undeserved tragedy, is no longer about that tragedy. Justice is a process, and that process should not be the bully with a stick, because your government carries a bigger stick.

You want to make change then, but you’re afraid your voice is too small? Don’t be a sheep. But don’t be rude. Start with your own neighborhood – start with you own social media friends. Start by helping someone in need, and educating yourself on the reasons our government cannot handle it all by themselves.

But most of all, remember that nothing comes easy in this world. You must actively engage in your world, and consistently refuse to give up, or give in, to meet your goals in your life. Lowering yourself to violence in a country that prides itself in it’s first amendment right, protected by the second, enforced by the largest military spending in the world, ought to mean that you need to infiltrate your own world, by engaging with it. You must be willing to engage with that friend on Facebook who consistently advocates for far left or right ideology, in a peaceful way that engages real-life rhetoric; examples from your own lives – and not just the ones that you are fed from your far-left or far-right sources. Make a difference by actively listening – and while you’re at it, put your phone away. When you’ve listened to the other person fully to the end of their statement, without formulating what you’re going to say before they’re done, then speak.

Some might argue that they have been speaking, and they haven’t been heard. I agree with you. Others will argue that other people haven’t said anything that they agree with. You’re both right.

You Should be less like this:

And more like this:

And until you get there, you are making a mistake of falling prey to the quintessential prisoner’s dilemma.

While what happened to Mr. Floyd was a preventable tragedy, the ensuing chaos is also preventable, and you should engage with your neighbor, and be the change you wish to see in the world, because it all starts with you. All of us, doing the same thing, working together.

If there is anything that a politician hates more, its the polls going against their favor. You can see that action happening in the swift action being taken by Minnesota. You can see that action happening with the Coronavirus.

Get out there and vote, America.

But be there for your neighbor too. Don’t be disheartened by the change in the world you wish to see, if you yourself, are not engaged in that.

“Be angry and do not sin; do not let the sun go down on your anger” – Ephesians 4:26