I had to ask my DA Chief recently who was running for president.  This is how much I don’t care about politics.  I grew up in a   country where it really doesn’t matter who wins.  A monkey throwing coconuts could do a better job governing than many of the clowns that took office.  New boss same as the old boss.  But as I’ve mentioned, most of my career was politically involved and driven.  I have my fingerprints in some places.

This one is about seeing the best in people.

My work was definitely legal, policy, and strategy driven.  I am generally proud of all that but I rather now write.  Find someone who actually gets what I’m talking about rather than the seemingly illiterate or really ignorant ones who have no idea what this is all about.  But once, I was actually an active participant in the electoral process – as an election monitor.  I had to do this as part of my duties as a DA.

So they sent me to locations in West Philadelphia, not the nicest part of town because I lived relatively close by.  I had to go early in the morning and stay relatively late.  As such, I didn’t really have the easiest time to actually cast my vote where I was registered.

Someone at church chastened me for not voting.  This sheltered woman who didn’t have my duties.  Sure, maybe I could have tried harder if I really cared but this was often the attitude of those I grew up with.  Always looking for the worst.  What I call the chink in the armor.  Ok, I can say that – if you’re not Chinese, you probably shouldn’t if you get my drift.  This was so true of family, the in-laws, and even some friends.  Thankfully, I had those who did the opposite and I’m grateful for them.  

It is honestly hypocritical to be so one-sided.  I’ve said this about many I’ve encountered, especially in the DC area – I call it defensive arrogance.  Instead of trying to build others up, they tear down.  Enough.  There is a hidden cost of all this.  No one will come for them.  Maybe even on the day of judgement.  The love you take is equal to the love you make.  Never forget that one.

I was talking to some nurses after the Pearl Jam concert in Minneapolis.  We discussed less than savory coworkers.  I told them they eventually will get what’s coming to them.  And it will be be from a source they least expect.  Sometimes, it’s not the dragon that slays you, it’s the undetectable virus.   All the ones they stepped on do not forget and all it takes is the right opportunity to do something.  The doctors may call the shots but it’s the nurses who administer them (or not).

And it’s also the unexpected sources who often save you.  The snake at work kept trying to get me.  My team protected me, even lying on my behalf.  One of them even cried when she apologized for answering his questions.  I had their loyalty because they had mine.  I knew how to see the best in them, many times because I didn’t receive the same.

Will Smith, a Philadelphian, got it right when he said to let God deal with the things that  people do.  But those repayments do come and in many ways.

The love received is the love that is saved.