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Years ago my Episcopal Priest made the point that when a Roman slapped it was with the back of the hand and that what Jesus called us to do is to turn the proverbial “other cheek” so as to be slapped with open palm; forcing others to treat even their contempt as “men and equals”; not as slaves or “less thans”. I commend your personal awareness and insight into your disorder; recognizing limitations and impairments but also strengths and resilience. Your bravery for sharing your struggle.

I’m traveling through the PA and NY rural regions on vacation and coming from CA it’s been a wake up call. Driving, I’ve seen a Hillary sign posted on someone’s dog house, Dixie flags and of course Trump signs galore. Working as a licensed behavioral health therapist it reminds me that the most potent, powerful and destructive drug out there is not in chemicals but in that rush and high from “righteous indignation”. The concept that because my cause is just and true I can have permission to mentally, emotionally, physically and spiritually lean into those more base and angry emotions we all experience. I am justified in every sense to pursue, harbor, build upon my own frustrations and dissatisfaction with my life aiming it towards “the others”. I often wonder upon Pastor Niemollers attributed quote “first they came for the socialists but I didn’t speak up because I wasn’t a socialist, then they came for the Jews but I didn’t speak up because I wasn’t Jewish, then they came for me and by that time there was no one to speak up” (yes, I butchered that quote). LOL. But the concept is a true and powerful one.

As a disciple of Christ in this age will I stay true to the teachings of paciifism and unconditional love? Will I speak up to be loaded onto the train? Can I stay true to my beliefs? Or will I too succumb to the intoxicating elixir and take up arms? Would I buy a weapon of death in some misguided belief it keeps me and my loved ones safe? From where I struggle it’s faith or fear. The two must be mutually exclusive. I thank you for the article. Much to ponder. Justin.

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