Regardless of the outcome of last week’s election, the morning after would produce two irrefutable facts:
- Half of all Americans would be disappointed, despaired or even disgusted with the results.
- Each one of us would still go on with our lives, trying to do what is best for our family, our friends and ourselves.
The first point cuts to the unfortunate and growing divide in our country – a by- product of a society segregated in far too many ways.
The second speaks to what has always unified us – the belief that we can make a better life for ourselves and those around us, regardless of the challenges we face.
Which brings us to the central question: Now what?
Do we continue to stay segregated in our respective bubbles, fostering resentment and hoping to take pleasure in the failure of others? Or do we reach out, seeking understanding, and new ways to help each other succeed?
Fred Rogers (aka Mr. Rogers) once said, “When I was a boy and I would see scary things in the news, my mother would say to me, “Look for the helpers. You will always find people who are helping.”
Let’s do one better and be the helper when we see something scary.
A friend of mine, Rich Greif of Big Brothers Big Sisters, embodied this with his Facebook post:
“You want real change? Since last night, 40 people signed up to be a Big Brother or Big Sister with our agency. Those 40 people will have a more life-changing impact on those 40 kids than any President will. So get out and volunteer, donate and advocate and make your community and country a better place.”
Well said, Rich.
So ask yourself again, now what?