Civility

The terrible tragedy of Saturday, January 8th has fueled much discussion.

We read, see and hear pundits clamor that our political conversations need to be more civil. Others clamor back that civility has nothing to do with a mentally ill young man intent on a murdering.

What is my take on this? I see both civility and mental illness as important in the converstion.

About civility ... who hasn't witnessed families, couples, organizations or congregations ripped apart by incivility? I bet we all have witnessed words wounding others deeply. Then, the deeply wounded taking out their own word arrows and aiming them sharply ... retaliating and escalating the diatribe. One concrete help in creating civil conversation might be to use an adaptation of the old golden rule ... speak to others as you would have them speak to you.

About mental illness ... too often psychiatry, counseling, or getting mental assistance are thought of as signs of weakness. I would offer the opposite. Knowing I need some help, or, getting help because those who love me ask me to, is a sign of strength. Just as a broken arm needs tending ... so does our mental health need tending.

As a Christian I believe we are called to be both civil, and, to advocate for mental health and the mentally ill.