Perplexed, Though Hopeful, Given Nature's Beauty and God's Promises

This week has been both treacherous and beautiful, my life bountifully blessed by exposure to numerous next gen leaders, all couched in nature's beauty.

However, this first Saturday morning of February has required deep reflection, given that the end of this week was quire troubling.

As mentioned above, my week was blessed by a full day of local leadership development with some thirty next gen change agents, among numerous well admired peers.

Those hours were most inspiring and emboldened my personal commitment to investment in future leadership.

Yet, as one deeply involved in the Christian community, and also having invested almost thirty years in municipal engagement, it's hard for me to step back when politics begins to affect the spiritual discernment of those with whom I readily identify.

Thus, I find myself in such quiet moments as this morning disturbed, given the divisiveness and at times inexcusable, calloused disregard for others in the name of leadership, let alone Christianity.

In fact, I am even struggling with my faith identity. Certainly not at all diminished is my desire to emulate Christ as demonstrated by the man, Jesus. However, the strange divide that is now apparent among American Christians is giving me pause with that moniker.

I am still open to the possibilities that I have strayed from the flock, thus my personal discernment as well somewhat awry? If you think that to be the case, I welcome your feedback and prayerful guidance.

Apart from multi-generational spiritual moorings afforded by my faith, with decades of leadership training, it seems rightful and responsible that I call into question our country's current state of moral demise and this week in particular portends the possibilities of near collapse.

The why seems also readily evident, as we have gradually priced out opportunity for leadership from among the middle class and those who understand the principles that made our country great.

The ball is now solely in the hands of high wealth individuals who by means unavailable to most, matriculate the political machinery, along side cronies willing to sell their souls in hopes of endorsements should doors open for higher office.

Deals are made behind closed doors, with self benefiting policies affording their participation in the global economic rewards which flow toward those in office.

Meanwhile the moral fiber of our country is diminished. In its place, weaponry and war seem acceptable offensive tools for our country's now bullish approach to global control.

This behavior was once attributed only to hostile, even rogue leadership. Meanwhile, religious rhetoric increases, likely employed as means of distraction while our streets are gradually militarized.

Our republic is at risk, as history often repeats itself and is seldom pretty.

Lest I loose those aforementioned moments of inspiration from earlier in the week, I will hold on to hope, as I continue to struggle with my own values and personal discernment.