If we have no peace, it is because we have forgotten that we belong to each other. – Mother Theresa

Today, it seems that every newscast we hear and many social media posts speak of resisting. How are we to approach this concept of resistance? It is certainly a part of the political dialogue that impacts the way we understand so many social issues.

What does resistance imply for our behavior? Is it a way to live in community where we see people living better together? It seems to me that the concept of resistance continues to be divisive and tears up relationships. I have heard of families and friends unfriending each other on Facebook and other social media to the point of not speaking to each other. Given that we already live with loneliness and distrust, this resisting and “hating” forces us farther apart.

I remember growing up when people with disagreements would debate and discuss their ideas and often might agree to disagree, but didn’t break up long held friendships or family relationships because they didn’t see the issue in the same way.

Mother Theresa recognized that we need each other, that we are connected. Resistance can seem like the dark side of community where we act in tribalism, resisting and being against, rather than being “for” something. As we are resisting, we are not seeking to understand each other, rather we are pushing each other away. Mother Theresa recognized that we need social connections with each other, that we need to be vulnerable with each other.

As Maraboli suggests, we do need to bring our dreams to life to rise to the level of our true greatness. And we do need to stand up for our beliefs and values. He states: “Rise to the challenge of bringing your dreams to life! Do not be discouraged by resistance, be nourished by it. Success is the experience of rising to the level of your true greatness” by Steve Maraboli. It is an interesting thought that we can be nourished by resistance! How can we be nourished through resistance and build community? Can we approach each other in love and discuss our differences without fearing rejection and ridicule? My goal is to seek to understand without loosing my own voice and sense of moral compass.

We are all yearning souls, we want to be right with the world and with our God! We need moral courage and joy with an emotional connection to each other, being vulnerable with each other.

How are you seeking to be a voice of resistance, yet loving and caring to live in community where we are better together?