I never really knew the true meaning or gravity of the word reconcile until I went to college. In fact, the word never really grabbed my attention until that time of my life. I’m not really sure why, it just had not. I’m guessing that up until that time, I had no real reason to seek understanding of the word or in what context it was best used.
I know that I had heard it, perhaps even used it at times in my life; however, a true framework had never been provided. When I was in college, the Vietnam war was slowly winding down. Civil and social unrest were at a peak. Demands for equality circulated throughout social, political and religious circles.
One particular Sunday (I can’t remember which one) my college pastor talked about what was expected of and what often happened to The One Who Reconciles. If my memory serves me correctly, he was talking about leadership. More specifically, what leadership required of a person. I recall that the picture of leadership painted by my college pastor was one of sacrifice, patience, kindness and purpose.
I remember him saying something like, “One who leads must be The One Who Reconciles and this requires a great deal of courage. Courage? Indeed! You see, The One Who Reconciles will always be the one who stretches arms, reaching in both directions, inviting warring parties to come to the middle and join together. The One Who Reconciles will always be vulnerable to bruised and broken ribs because of that position. The One Who Reconciles will always present answers. The One Who Reconciles will always be the one to encourage communication. The One Who Reconciles will always be the Peacemaker.”
I wonder what might happen today if our leaders – in business, politics, education, religion – would embrace the position of The One Who Reconciles? I wonder . . .
Wouldn’t it be interesting if our leaders would provide:
Substance rather than Sarcasm?
Answers rather than Antics?
Compromise rather than Condemnation?
Communication rather than Comedy?
Solutions rather than Self Aggrandizement?
Purposeful Dialogue rather than Pointless Demeaning?
I could go on… However, I won’t… I’m fearful that we as a country (sheep that we tend to be) would rather be told by leaders who are anything but The Ones Who Reconcile, what to think, feel and believe. We would rather do that than think, examine and choose for ourselves. In one sense, we have “lost our minds” and stand on the brink of a future void of mindful direction; moving further toward the extremes of every situation.
Would that we wake up and demand that our leaders begin to do the work of Reconciliation! Would that WE as individuals wake up and demand of ourselves the work of Reconciliation.
Is this magical thinking? Perhaps… Yet I can be hopeful!
Peace!
Mark E. Hundley
