JUST BECAUSE

[NanceGreggs]

JUST BECAUSE
By Nancy Greggs

God knows it’s hard to believe sometimes. Hard to believe that in the face of what’s been happening in the past six years, there is still something to hope for, something positive to hold on to, some unstoppable Phoenix that will emerge from the ashes of what our nation once was.

Like so many of us, I no longer believe in those in charge of my country, in those who have shown themselves to be traitors wrapped in tattered flags, in those who will do whatever is necessary to acquire political power or accumulate personal wealth.

But I do believe in my fellow citizens, those who will not be moved from positions that are morally right, those who will not abandon what is ethically sound, those who will not be led astray by false prophets or enticed to abandon their principles.

I still believe in America …

Because somewhere, right at this very minute, there is a politician who is deciding to do what is right for his constituents, instead of what is right for his own career ambitions.

Because somewhere a judge is rendering a decision based on the law as he knows it, and not on the political bias he has been encouraged to embrace.

Because somewhere there is a journalist who has seen one too many lies in print, and is about to set the record straight, come what may.

Because somewhere there is an office worker who has seen something untoward happening, and has mustered up the courage to blow the whistle.

Because somewhere there is a firefighter who is rushing into a burning building, risking his own life to save someone else’s without thinking about whether that person shares his religion or agrees with his politics.

Because somewhere there is a housewife who is welcoming a new neighbor with a smile and a wave, even though they look different than the other neighbors on the street.

Because somewhere there is a minister who is writing a Sunday sermon about love and tolerance, instead of hatred and fear.

Because somewhere there is a rabbi who is bowing his head in prayer with a Muslim, each acknowledging that they are praying to the same God – each in his own language, each in his own way.

Because somewhere there is a teacher who is looking at her worst student not a nuisance, but as a challenge that is worth her every effort.

Because somewhere there is a timid kid who is befriending the schoolyard bully, and is realizing that friendship can overcome the worst of fears.

Because somewhere there is a man who is late for work, because he is stopping to ask a homeless person if there is something he can do to help.

Because somewhere a doctor is scheduling surgery for a patient without the money to pay for it, because saving a life is more important than collecting a fee.

Because somewhere someone is giving blood without inquiring as to the political leanings of the end-user; someone is signing an organ donor card without specifying the ethnicity of the recipient.

Because somewhere a priest is hearing the confession of a gay man, and is reminding him that God loves him no matter whom he chooses to love.

Because somewhere someone who has been wronged is accepting an apology without seeking revenge. Because somewhere someone who has done wrong is seeking to make things right.

Because somewhere a soldier is comforting a wounded man, and isn’t seeing a friend nor an enemy, but only a fellow human being.

Because somewhere a baby is coming into a world that will be changed for the better by their existence, while somewhere someone is leaving this world in the knowledge they have made a difference simply by having done their best to do the right thing.

Because somewhere someone who has remained silent is finding their voice, someone who has been taught to hate is learning to reach out, someone who has been blinded is seeking the truth, someone who has accepted without question is now asking for answers, someone who has been told to be suspicious of everyone is accepting their fellow citizens at face value without preconceived prejudices.

Because somewhere someone is composing a song, writing a story, telling a tale, sharing a joke, snapping a photo, painting a scene, or tending a garden not for fame or financial reward, but just for the sheer joy of making the world a more beautiful place.

Because somewhere, in every corner of my beloved country, there are people who will not be turned away from what is good, from what is right, from what is just.

That is why I still believe.

Just because.