Tuesday; April 12

What is the key to rebuilding trust in our community? Over the last few years, we have done an effective job of tearing ourselves apart. From disparate politic views to response to community violence to strong feelings about public health we have done a good job of highlighting what separates us. News outlets, social media, public comments and even individual remarks have driven wedges between us. Questions such as “what is truth” or “who can you trust” have challenged philosophies and friendships. I have been around for quite a while and, while I can’t say that we haven’t ever been this far apart, I can say that we aren’t closing the gap on togetherness at any great speed!


So, back to the original question – how can we rebuild trust in our community? While there are a variety of community programs out there, I think that the thing that can best bring us together is to be together. It is much harder to dislike and distrust people who sit across the table from us. There may be value in the old adage, “good fences make great neighbors”, but the willingness to talk across those fences make the best kind of neighbors. When we engage with people who are different than us on an individual level, all of a sudden those differences don’t see nearly as scary or insurmountable.

The Easter season is often looked upon as a time that highlights new beginnings. Let’s use this week as a way to start building trust with each other. This is a week filled with hope – let’s capitalize on that emotion as we do what we can see the good in others and bring out the best in ourselves.

Think About It!

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