so many questions...

I had an experience today that has left me very contemplative. It has brought up many questions in me to which I don’t know the answers. The biggest question in all of these thoughts is wondering if we have failed. By “we” I mean American culture. In my time overseas I have learned many skewed views that people all over the world have of the U.S. Most of these are not flattering. The funny (or not so funny) part about these views is that they affect me personally, even if they don’t reflect at all who I am. This is where another question comes to mind: who is responsible for how the world views Americans? Is it the media, our government, celebrities, who? Now I know that it isn’t fair for anyone to make a generalization about any culture and pin that label on individuals. However, when do we, like a parent who is seen in a bad light due to their child’s ill behavior, have a piece in that responsibility, even as individuals? There are a lot of images, perceptions, and impressions that have been sent out into the world regarding American culture. Is that who we are? I very much appreciate the freedom that our country has fought for and the battles that have taken place so that I can choose to be who I want to be. However, another question comes to me: what has the price of that freedom been? Who is taking responsibility to see that our freedoms are used and not abused? I know as one person I feel pretty powerless to even begin to answer these questions, let alone make a difference. But I figure its gotta start somewhere! What can I do to make a difference in the world and leave a positive mark on those whom I have influence over? Over the last few years I have railed against the views of my culture, thinking it’s not fair that labels are placed on me that I have not earned. However, is fairness the thing to be railing against? Will that get me anywhere productive?

These questions span further when I think about my faith. As a representative of Jesus, how do the people around me view my actions and attitudes? Is it fair that the images of American pop-culture are seen in tandem with Christianity? Fair or not, that is the situation I find myself encountering over and over again. And the lasting impression it leaves me with is this: we have to do better; we have to BE better. I don’t know what that looks like. I think some of it starts by taking personal responsibility in becoming educated about the world. I hear a lot of opinions out there (some of which are mine) that are based purely on bits and pieces heard around us, versus having researched, asked questions and learned the objective facts. The other thing that needs to be done is that we need to reach out to people, to truly love in a sacrificial way. Now I know the U.S. does a lot of good work around the world and that there are many NGO’s out there that are plugging away at some of the tougher challenges facing our world. However, what are we doing in our own culture? Many of my friends here think that if they could just immigrate to the states that all of their problems would be solved. I am left wondering, though, if they did emigrate who would reach out to them? Who would teach them how to live in a new culture and how to see the good through the bad? Would it be a government agency or would it be the people who live right next store to them? I know it can be intimidating reaching out to other people and cultures that we don’t understand. There’s the issue of language barriers, misunderstandings and then there’s the issue of not having enough time. When are we going to make the time? When are we going to put ourselves out on a limb, even if it means making a fool or ourselves? You never know, but it might make a huge difference in the life of another person. These small changes, I believe, can affect the world and all it takes is one person reaching out to one person; making the time, making the sacrifices it takes to really influence a life. I know I am in no position to stand on any sort of soap box, but I feel a responsibility to slowly begin to answer some of these questions. I’d love to hear some of your thoughts and to hear about how God may be moving in your heart through some of the journey He is taking me on. Until next time!