What sparks the imagination? Some would say art, music, creative writing, etc. In our current climate, there is a black cloud raining down messages of fear, hate, and negativity. It is the year of doom and gloom. I look around, and I wonder, where are the fun, the laughter, and love? In the most trying time, that is when we need it the most.
Last week I wrote about "purpose" and figuring out your "why." It's daunting diving into the unknown, not knowing what you live for. In a world flooded with insincere politicians, a sensational media, and people filled with hate and fear, it's no wonder our brains are incapable of producing something enjoyable. Stress and anxiety are running rampant; our bodies will generate vast amounts of cortisol and testosterone due to our sympathetic nervous system running on fumes. We are in a constant state of fight or flight. It's not good for our health on any terms.
Underneath that layer of fear lies a shining sliver of hope. We hope for a better future, a vaccine to end the COVID pandemic, an end of racism, and ultimately a more united country.
Imagination is the foundation on which our country formed. Our founders imagined living in a country not controlled by a monarchy, a land that could stand on its own two feet. They believed in a country run by the people and for the people. Imagination is what led to the creation of our creed, our declaration of freedom, our declaration for equality, and the pursuit of happiness. I know that our founding fathers had their faults. But don't we all? We are human, it is in our very nature to make mistakes. Our actions and decisions are not always the right call. We are flawed, but in those flaws and faults, we learn. From our mistakes, we grow. We have faced down adversity on all fronts. First from Britain in 1776 and then on our own soil with the Civil War of 1861-1865. From the birth of our nation, we have been striving to make this great American experiment work.
Our country is not perfect; we have a history fraught with injustice and inequality. Our declaration speaks of freedom for all and equality for all, but that was not always the case. Even to this day, we struggle to offer that inherent right to people of color, women, and children, and people to travel to this country in search of a better life. Looking back on history, we have made impactful strides. Still, we are a country run on the weaknesses of men and women, and there will always be opportunities to make the lives of all people better.
Imagination…. is what leads to the creation of art, music, and writing. To bring attention to struggle and pain or showcase a feeling of happiness and joy. Our declaration of independence and our constitution are art. They hold the values of what our country stands for. When our country is forced to face adversity when our country is being torn apart by fear and hate, we must return to our roots. We must remind ourselves that we fought for a country to give hope to all people who left their homeland in search of a better life, a better opportunity.
This experiment will never be perfect, it will never be complete. There will always be an opportunity to do better and be better. But it all starts in our hearts. Our human hearts have an incredible capacity to love, forgive, and show mercy. Our hearts beat as one, in each and every person it pumps oxygen and blood to our organs and brain, keeping us alive. We are all made the same from the inside out. Color and gender do not define us. It is how we are alike from the inside that binds us all. Our founding fathers understood this, and though they were not perfect, I do believe their intentions in the formation of our country were honorable.
Let us return to the basics. Let us use our imagination to develop plans to make our country more robust and more united. Let us provide a homeland that respects all human life. Let us welcome anyone to our doorstep who wants to create a better experience for themselves and their family.
We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men…and women are created equal, and we are endowed by these inalienable rights.
Galatians 5:13
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