I believe our hearts are our window to who we are, though it is said that “the eyes are the window to our soul”. When one reacts verbally or physically it is typically an emotional response that drives us to react according to our immediate heartfelt feelings.
I have no doubt whatsoever, that we all have a purpose in life. Some of us know what it is and many are still lost or wondering what that calling may be. I knew from my childhood that I would be one who would be a giver, would try to find reason/logic and understanding in the good and the bad that life brings.
When we are angered we perceive all sorts of circumstances that WE THINK are the cause, but truly; we are reacting with our heart first and our heart, I feel, is the most vulnerable organ in our body next to our mind which is what reacts to our emotions… Whether we have the complete facts or not, we feel compelled to react in a positive or negative behavior. This is human nature in general and life, as many see it, can be overwhelming.
Our country is in so much turmoil and, closer to home, our City is suffering from countless ailments – starting with COVID-19, a difficult holiday for many, a suffering economy and the ongoing political conflict that some are determined to expand upon.
My only personal experience in politics is having learned so much about the system and lived the frustrations that can be imposed (my spouse’s 20+ years in Nevada’s government). Thankfully retirement did wonders for the soul and the mind.
I guess what I am trying to say is that nothing is as simply as we would like to make it. “Without cause” is not anything new and a government official can be terminated, from what I have seen over the last 26 years; immediately. There is ‘no grace period’. No one knows the specific particulars behind that termination unless it goes legally public; it is how government, as a whole, works. For anyone to guess, accept half truths, listen to gossip, and choose to aggravate the situation only extends the hearsay plus pain and/or anger for any individual terminated from his/her position.
Lastly, I do not believe for one second that ANY council person who has sat or sits behind a city council seat and who elected to service our City (the pay is definitely not the reason) does it because he or she needs, wants, or appreciates bullying, insults, demeaning/humiliating comments from the public. Without doubt is takes an extremely thick skin to sit behind that council seat and listen to the degrading behavior of some people in the audience. Maybe some people just need to feed their own ego at someone else’s expense.
Because someone we want on council did not get appointed, or because someone we do not want on council got elected by our voters; well folks, there will be another election in the future. Hate, anger, vengeance are words that are damaging and easily expressed but, calm, assurance, and peaceful actions take a lot of control, strength, and dignity.
I am not a churchy person but am a God fearing Christian and will put my faith in these words in the hope everyone will find their strength and calm during the Holiday season: “There are never enough words to calm the intensity of an emotional tidal wave, but I lift each of you spiritually before God that he may bring you acceptance and tranquility. May the storm in your hearts be quieted by waves of rationale, calm and hope”.
Carolyn Simerly says
Thank you for your kind and needed words for this community…
Yoli Bell says
Pastor Duke, My article inadvertently got on your column. I apologize — hopefully it did not cause any problems for you
Yoli Bell
Mesquite Citizen Journal says
We apologize for the error. We will fix it immediately.
Barbara Ellestad
Publisher/Editor