From Josh Bledsoe, co-signer and Nov. 1, 2020 Virtual Vigil participant:
"I have been thinking about about cross-political orientation friendship/connection in the midst of a highly divisive election . I wrote this as a reflection of building bridges in a highly divisive politicized world. I call the poem together
TOGETHER
It smacks me, sometimes, how connected we are—though we draw boundaries, build walls, fight wars, and call each other names All it takes is a photo of earth from space and I’m stunned again,
how much we are in this together. And though we’d rather not know it every choice we make affects everyone, everything else.
Perhaps this is why I weep when people who are different share their stories: Songs of joy and narratives of pain
Listening is a gift empowering us to feel human again Listening is an act that bolsters the belief love can free us from the mirage of isolation
Because (Listening) it’s proof of kindness, a confirmation that beauty not only exists, it will lead us to each other.
How easily two strangers might become friends. It can happen anywhere on church street or main anywhere two people co-exist, the invitation to be generous, thoughtful, to think of new ways to be good to each other.
Each kindness a bridge that spans the world’s flaws.
Each moment, another chance to build another bridge"
*A splendid idea! Count me in!
*It’s time to beat swords into plowshares. It’s time to embrace our brothers and sisters. We are all family.
*I have shared this website with many many people and organizations and I thank you for starting the live the golden rule movement!
*Thanks to all for this initiative. Please add my name to the list of supporters.
*Abiding no hate has been a struggle for me as the political season has ramped up. Thank you for creating the opportunity to be involved with those who work to live by the Golden Rule.
*Kudos to every faith community signing on to this! This is how we live our faith!
*We support you.
*We must find common ground that allows us all to live together in peace.
*I am rejoicing. What a challenge to give up our Ego positions knowing that we of peace are coming together in our communities to link up all over the world for love for peace for the knowingness that we are one in God with many faces of diversity. How could we have ever limited the expressions of God. Covid has brought us to our knees and to our hearts. Love compassion, service and gratitude for each other and our host/hostess Mother Earth are now honored.
*I would love to participate; as a business owner I would love to amplify the message any way that I can.
*Love.
*Thank you for creating space for us to stand up for civility.
*We are no longer part of a formal church, but we would like to be part your organization.
*Thank you for organizing here in WNC. I trained as a facilitator for Braver Angels workshops after the last election and have been interested in the work of groups doing similar work. I wholeheartedly agree that we must learn to respect one another, listen with compassion, and be curious as we engage in civil discourse with the intent of understanding. I'm happy to co-sign the letter.
*May this be a new beginning for unity!
Let us know how we can help.
*I am happy to share in this interfaith celebration. Thanks to all.
*Thank you for a pro-active and wise response to the decline in civil conversation within our own United State of America. We can at least live the golden rule and nurture civil dialogue among citizens here at home in Henderson County. This initiative should be on the religion page of this Friday's Times-News.
*I would like to co-sign, if that is appropriate, as an individual. I am not representing any organization in this endeavor.
*What a wonderful initiative; I wholeheartedly approve of it, and especially with the involvement of faith organizations, where unfortunately much of societal discord is birthed. How appropriate that they should instigate a solution. Living the golden rule is perfect for the purpose, in my opinion. Thank you for this initiative
*Unity, not uniformity.
*Honored to be part of this forum.
Supporting, Supporting ! ! ! ! !
*I support living the golden rule wholeheartedly. Mutual respect, understanding and kind communications bring about goodness, love and positivity. When we strengthen ourselves, we strengthen each other and our community as a whole. Thank you for facilitating this important initiative.
*Much work lies ahead to achieve the noble vision of this initiative and there is plenty of room for the ideas and actions of each of us!
*Thank you for putting this together!
Proud to be a part of this.
*We are happy to co-sign this letter and are totally on board!
*I am signing this also in memory of my late wife. This concept is what she was all about. As our son said at her service. "Discrimination was not in her vocabulary.”
*I feel privileged to join with other members of my church, First Congregational United Church of Christ, and with a growing circle of individuals and faith communities to practice more fully what we believe.
*good for you. good for us.
*I am not representing any formal group but I do lend my support to this intentional pledge as I follow many who represent groups I am a part of. I am grateful to be a part of this wise movement.
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