After his baptism, Jesus spent 40 days in the desert.
I feel like I am in the desert now.
In a desert stretching from Jericho to the mountains of Judea, he was tempted by Satan. The three words – “tempted by Satan,” are shorthand for great pain and suffering that Christ endured. He refused to turn the stones to bread, even though he could. Satan tempts us with pride.
When Jesus told the devil, “Away from me, Satan!” the devil left him, and angels came and attended to Jesus. After, He began to preach amongst the mases. The rest, is history.
So many times in life we feel we must be everything for everyone. We forget who the real audience is.
When I first started writing for Cowboy State Daily, it was my coveted hobby. In many ways, it restored my soul and made me feel alive again. A small slice of enjoyment for which I could use my creativity. I felt as though the change I was making was impactful. The messages of encouragement and joy, the friends made along the way, and the understanding of differences in opinion have changed me forever.
However, there is a season for everything.
Reading the Catholic Saints will remind you quickly that you may be called to suffer for truth. But politics, must never cost your soul. And, your first loyalty is to God, not to power, party or success.
If politics ruins your life, but saves your soul, you have lost nothing. The inverse is also true. Do not compromise on moral truth. Silence in the face of injustice can become complicity. But do not expect politics to save the world.
If God calls you to speak truth in politics, you must. But the motive must be charity, not ego or anger.
Sometimes stepping away is more holy than fighting. I’d like to detach from power and avoid entanglement with worldly structures. Some call withdrawal cowardice, but it can be wisdom. To discern if suffering is from God or ego is a complicated pursuit. It takes quiet and peace to understand it.
When the noise is too loud, the world is too uncertain, and the burden feels too chaotic, it is time to pull inward. I need to do that now.
I’m thankful for the time I received to play with the giants who write for Cowboy State Daily. But for me, my work here is complete. It is time for me to say less and do more.
If you want to change the world, start with changing yourself. Be brave, be bold and stand true. I’ll see you down the road.
