These days we live in an America that is sharply divided. We have people that have opinions that are very far apart. And we have people that make a living by fanning the flames of the anger between those differences. We now have an America that is ruled more by hate, anger, rage, boycotting, and plain old ugliness than by the principles that it was founded upon. But does it have to be that way? It's far to easy to say what you stand against than what you stand for because standing for something means actually doing something to prove you believe in that cause.
In today's social media driven world it is very convenient to re-post some link to a hateful rant, but if you stand for something that means you have to take that stand day after day. Much like politicians using smear campaigns, stating what you are against is just an easy out. Working toward what you stand for takes years of hard work and commitment. Taking a stand for something takes a unwavering faith that requires all of your spare time, energy, and effort, and that's just not cool in today's convenient drive thru American lifestyle. When you stand for something it permeates your entire life. You don't just speak about it or post it on social media. You actually live it out every day, in every facet of your life. That's the hard part of being "for" something. When you are against things, all you have to do is click on a link and re-post it and then you get to feel like you have accomplished something. Not much of a commitment there. The question is what does clicking on a link that states you are against something actually accomplish? Did you make a difference in some one's life? Did you change some one's mind? Did you turn the tide of the overall argument? The answer to all is sadly, no!
If you really want to make a difference in this life, take a stand for something and actually go out and stand with that someone or something. Get up off the couch and go and do something for someone, that's what making a difference is all about. That's the definition of standing up for something. Don't be lulled to sleep by the talking heads on the news channels and political circuits, staying at home and being a part of poll numbers doesn't affect any one's life. At least not in a positive way. When your time here on Earth is done who do you think will come pay their respects at your funeral? The people that had the links you clicked on that stated what you were against, or the people that you went out of your way to help? People will always remember what you stood for, but few will remember what you stood against. I hope you make a difference in some one's life today.
