On Monday, January 16, 2017, we celebrated the life & legacy of Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.; on Friday, January 20, 2017, we observed the inauguration of the 45^th President of the United States, Donald Trump. In this historical week, what do these two leaders have to teach us?

I can hear some of you muttering, “I don’t have anything to learn from THAT man!”, perhaps referring to one or the other of these political figures. There are strong opinions on both sides about race, class and power. But do me a favor and just consider this for a moment.

These leaders serve as a mirror, reflecting the best — purpose, determination and perseverance — and the worst — fear, anger and failure, of our country and ourselves. Ultimately, they are revealing our worldview.

Our worldview is the way we look at life and people. You have probably been asked this seemingly simple question before: is the glass half empty or half full?

When we look at the glass as half empty, we are pessimistic, expecting the worst. When something bad happens, our response is “It figures.” We sound like Eeyore from the Hundred-Acre Wood. However, if we look at the glass as half full, we are optimistic, expecting the best. We do not deny the reality that bad things happen to good people, we just see the bad things as opportunities for growth…like Anne from Green Gables.

The other day in the midst of a large group conversation about race, poverty and compassion, a friend posed this question to the group leader, “When you look to the future of our nation, are you optimistic?” His response echoed the words of King David, “I am hopeful.” Psalm 39:5 (CEB) says, “Oh, I must find rest in God only, because my hope comes from him!”  

We cannot always control what happens in the world around us, but we can control our response to the situations we face — our worldview which, in turn, shapes our words and actions as well as those of others around us, especially our kids. I choose hope! How about you?

Together let’s Love In A Big World!