Choices Have Consequences

In this life, we have agency which is the ability to choose for ourselves -- what to think and believe, how to act, and what to become.  I love that we have freedom to make our own choices.

Choices have consequences.  In fact, there is no choice we can make that comes without consequences, intentional or unintentional.  Sometimes the consequences are pleasant; other times they are not.  Wisdom teaches us to carefully consider the choices we make and the consequences that might follow.  If we don't like the possible outcomes, maybe we should reconsider the choice. 

Most likely, we will all experience times in our lives where we make choices that lead to consequences we did not foresee and do not enjoy.  We can take responsibility for these choices or we can choose to be victims. Taking responsibility means we "suck it up," "face the music," or "pay the piper" learning how to move forward as best we can.  Choosing to be a victim happens when we refuse to take responsibility for the choices that led to the consequences.  Instead, we blame other people or situations for the circumstances.  Again, our choice.

When we take responsibility, we let go of the hurt and pain allowing us to grow in courage, strength, wisdom, and knowledge.  We overcome our circumstances and become more aware of possible consequences which help us make better choices.  We desire to share our learning to help others avoid the pitfalls we have experienced.  We become more loving and understanding.

In contrast, when we become a victim, we hurt so deeply that we want others to hurt also.  Not only do we want them to feel our pain, we want them to experience their own pain as well.  We fear, blame, condemn, and seek out injustice.  We want revenge!  We become hardened by our experiences and stop caring, trying and learning.  We become hopeless that things will ever change unless we force them.  We refuse to budge from our current understanding.  Though at times we might be victimized, we can refuse to become a victim.

From reading the news, it appears that many people today want to make their own choices without any consequences.  They don't want to be responsible for their own actions, and yet they want everyone else to be held accountable for everything that happens.

Everyone has the right and responsibility to choose for themselves.  No one else can choose for them.  No one else can choose for me.  I choose for myself and will accept the consequences.

Elections

As we progress through yet another political season, it is sometimes difficult to watch or listen to the drama unfold in the media.  There are more than enough mantras, blurbs, soundbites, put-downs, commentary and propaganda repeatedly advertising bad behavior and bully tactics which are then excused by faithful followers. Unfortunately, the truth is often twisted and those being blamed are occasionally the victims rather than the perpetrators.  Quite honestly, it turns my stomach.

Each election is a new reminder of experiences our family had several years ago being on the inside of political campaigns.  Most of the voting public seem to be totally unaware of, and would be appalled to learn, what really goes on behind the scenes…the tactics, compromises, threats and back-room deals.  When you are “up close and personal,” you learn to recognize the written and unwritten “rules” as well as the puppets and puppeteers.

For many political insiders, truth becomes irrelevant as loyal supporters line up behind candidates who are well-versed in the culture of lies and “who can win.”  While there are those who stand for truth and freedom, their messages are drowned out by groups and individuals who would rather keep honest people from being able to discern what is real.

It seems pretty clear to me that unaware voters are being played like instruments in an orchestra, and when things don’t go as the “planners” have planned, there will be consequences for some to pay, maybe loss of a job or threats to family or livelihood.  Most decent people would never want to put their families through the fire of a political campaign.  Hence, our choices are very limited when it comes to elections.

But the real battle in politics is not between Republicans and Democrats.  Nor are religious battles between Christians, Muslims and Jews.  The real battles are between right and wrong.  Good and evil use similar processes, but good is based on freedom of choice and evil is based on force or coercion.  Force stifles desire, while freedom encourages creativity, accomplishment and abundance.

The fight for freedom takes place daily in our own communities.  Instead of complaining, become involved.  Share your talents.  Give a little of your time.  Get in the game, meet the players, and learn the truth for yourself.  You might learn a few things.  Being in the eye of the public teaches many lessons to those who are willing to learn:  the importance of honesty, integrity, respect, friendship, service, love, obedience and loyalty to good principles, trust, sacrifice, gratitude, honor, discernment, perseverance, and courage in the face of affliction.

Everyone has something to give, an idea, talent or resource of some sort.  When we bear one another’s burdens, we share what we have with those who don’t have – whatever it might be – food, clothing, shelter, financial means, knowledge, and love.  Unmet needs lead to social, mental, emotional, and physical problems due to lack of hope.  Providing hope for the downtrodden helps them conquer life’s challenges, and provides happiness for those giving.  It is easy to see how the world would be a better place if more people enjoyed doing good, rather than being so concerned about their own personal gain.  Life isn’t about what we own or control, but what we give. 

With each election, we are choosing the direction for our country’s future and whether or not we will remain a free people.  Corruption is rampant, so it is extremely important to be thoughtful in choosing a candidate to support. We need someone who doesn’t just listen to the will of the people, but acts on it, even if they sometimes disagree with our personal philosophy.  We need to stop making our political choices out of fear, for choices made in fear are often shortsighted.  We don’t want leaders who say only what they think we want to hear to get elected.  Truthfully, if we keep making similar choices, we will continue getting similar results.