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May 2023 Monthly Letter
Dear Reconcilers,
Our guest writer this month is Shelia Graham. Shelia shares things that can keep us divided as a country.
When Words Become Labels
In high school, you are labeled. You’re a nerd or a jock or a loser with a big L or worse, a druggie. Using words as labels doesn’t end in high school. We continue to label ourselves into reds or blues, far rights or extreme lefts, rednecks or snobs. Labels start as regular terms that are turned around to include more than was originally intended. For example, the word woke. I understand it originally meant to be aware of the many forms of racial discrimination. Now other social issues have been added to that definition and it has become a label as well.
That’s too bad. Most people believe being informed and educated on social injustice is good because awareness promotes needed change. Unfortunately, others have made words labels to separate us from our neighbors. It is regrettable, but when words become labels, they encourage suspicion and even hatred toward those who don’t believe the same as you.
It’s said when people get together don’t bring up religion or politics. When we do, we’re immediately labeled and our views disregarded. That’s sad because if we could listen to each other’s points of view we might learn something. At least we would know why they believe what they do. And, if they’re wrong, we could offer our reasons for believing what we do. We might even influence them to question some of their long-held beliefs if we keep the conversation civil.
And, what if someone should ask why we believe the way we do? Could we answer them clearly and coherently? Looking critically at some of our own beliefs can be scary I know, but if we come to see where we need to change an opinion, shouldn’t we in good conscience do so?
Wouldn’t it be wonderful if we could disregard our disagreements and focus on service and compassion for others. In a time when reconciliation is more important than ever, let’s not label ourselves into us or them categories. We need to admit none of us have all the answers. Yes, there are problems that need to be addressed, that’s why we need to listen to one another’s concerns. Because until we set aside our labels and recognize and respect each other as all beloved brothers and sisters created as one human family, true reconciliation cannot come.
Sheila Graham has a master’s of arts in religion and a master’s of arts in women’s studies in religion. Among her published writings is The Proverbs 31 Woman and Other Biblical Women, coauthored with Michael Morrison, available on Amazon and Barnes & Noble, which also addresses the question of what roles women can play in the church today.