Raoul’s 2 Cents
Before the Fight Starts
Halloween’s over but you can still hear people screaming. But they’re not screaming because of ghosts or goblins. They’re screaming their heads off in anger.
The world is on edge. Tempers flair between people of opposite political camps. I’m sure you’ve had heated debates with people who are obviously smart in many things but who are apparently dimwits when it comes to seeing the world as you do. What to do? What to do?
In order to lessen the street drama (especially before the national elections here in America), I offer some ground rules of engagement which were influenced by my Counseling Class. Bear in mind that although I may know these rules, I still have a hard time following them. Anyway, here goes:
- Understand that we all have our biases. Even those who say they are objective have their biases. Anyone who says they aren’t are lying to themselves. It’s better that we are honest about this.
- Accept that you are not going to convince anyone to move to your political corner. Approach the issue as a news reporter taking in the data without any commentary. The goal is not to win the debate but to understand where the other party is coming from.
- Keep away from emotions. Stick to the facts. Emotions fluctuate; facts don’t. If that can’t be helped, walk away. Don’t waste your energy. You’ll just make enemies.
“The most miserable people in the world are the ones who live their lives based on their emotions.” — Pastor Warren Lamb
- Only engage when you both are in the Safe Zone of your emotions. If you are above it, your expectations will be too high and your reasoning will hover around your ego. If you are below it, you will be too depressed, bitter and hopeless. It’s hard to think objectively and rationally when you are in either extremes.
It’s only in your Safe Zones that there is respect for the other party and true communication can happen. - To “agree to disagree” is where many discussions end but this is a cop out. Unless you resolve the issue, it will build up and eat you. You should agree to come back to that issue when both of you are in your “Safe Zones” — of course a level of maturity is necessary and it may take more than one meeting.
- Lastly, approach the conversation with humility and love. Remember, when in doubt, be prepared to give grace.
I know these rules are rather simplistic. I would expound on these if I had more space. For now, you can use them when you approach your next political debate. Let me know how it goes.
But this is just me.TGIF people!
“ Such “wisdom” does not come down from heaven but is earthly, unspiritual, demonic. For where you have envy and selfish ambition, there you find disorder and every evil practice. ”
— James 3: 15-16
Joke of the Week
A Little Halloween Leftover
Shared by Don of Kelowna, B.C.
Videos of the Week
Honey, I Ate All the Candies
Sent by Laura of Whittier, CA
A collection of kids’ reactions when their parents confess they ate all their Halloween candies. You could tell the mature ones from the ones who “calls the shots” in the family.
Israel and Cyber Security
Sent by Art of Sierra Madre, CA
I thought this was interesting. I’m kinda glad Israel is on our side … at least I think so.
Don’s Puns
From Don’s collection of puns
Parting Shot
Thanks to Don of Kelowna, B.C. who shared this photo
People from all over the world send him jokes and Raoul sends those jokes back with his original sketches. 
Tom
November 2, 2018 at 10:08 am
Good Tips for evading political battles. May save injury or loss of reputation . I have found such battles are a waste of time and energy. Thanks
Tom
Lee M
November 2, 2018 at 10:09 am
Some very good advice here Raoul!
I have a friend who is worlds apart from me in politics and social issues, but we treat each other with respect and discuss our similarities and differences at least once a month for the last ten years. We never take politics into the pulpit or the church knowing that there are always folks we love holding different positions who are sitting in the pews. I have tried to stay an independent in my political perspectives and have voted for the Dems, Reps. and Independents with regularity for many years, but choose not to make too big of an issue of it when with friends, neighbors, etc. I never put bumper stickers on my car for any candidate or allow them or other literature on political candidates in the church where I serve. I have left two churches that told us how to vote and who to vote for (one was liberal and leftist and the other was conservative and rightist). Both were wrong. On Sundays we only vote for Jesus and not political candidates. Lots of interesting stories to share in this regard, including at Alhambra! (:->)
Blessings!
Lee
Raoul
November 2, 2018 at 10:10 am
Thanks Pastor Lee.
I can relate. Indeed, politics can ruin relationships but focusing on
Jesus and asking WWJD is key to keeping things in check.
Like you, party loyalty should never cloud us from the truth (at least
as we see it). We judge the individual.
Blessings to you and Mary. May the elections bring this nation closer to
God (wishful thinking since we already know about Revelations).
Lee M
November 2, 2018 at 10:10 am
Thank you Raoul.
We are all getting tired of the political ads now and just a few more days and they will be over for about a week and then the presidential campaigns will begin! Yikes! I like the way that Canada and Britain do elections, namely from the announcement of the election to the election itself is seldom more than two months. I grew up in a nothing but a Democrat will do home and was converted in a nothing but a Republican will do. As I matured a bit, I realized the Jesus will not be returning either on a donkey or an elephant. I’ve found that no party has all the wisdom and no party is totally bad. It appears that we have a ways to go to find peace and acceptance in our country. May the Lord help us all!
—Lee
Raoul
November 2, 2018 at 10:12 am
Wise words.
Hoping for the rapture to come very soon.
Raoul
Lee M
November 2, 2018 at 10:12 am
Me too, but hoping it is not based on merit. If so, I’m sunk!
—Lee