My eyes have been wet for quite a while after reading comments from someone I love accusing me of indulging in “fake news.”
You may be wondering why that would bother me so much. Well, it bothers me deeply for two reasons:
- I am incredibly passionate about the truth. I purposely seek out news sources that are nonpartisan and centrist or go directly to the source when applicable. I feel horrible about the idea of ever leading people astray with false information. If I ever inadvertently share false information, I apologize and share the correct information. I do not feel any sort of need to look for news stories that only further confirm my biases. I just want to know the truth regardless of what the implications are. I care so much about the truth, in fact, that in September of this year, I did a Facebook post offering to help others do research on topics that are important to them. At the end of that offer of help, I said: I think that it’s good that we all have different perspectives and experiences that lead us to different conclusions on things. I just truly believe that all of those conclusions should be based on truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth.
- I believe that civility and respect are key to any trusting relationship. In today’s world we don’t care much about these qualities anymore. We dehumanize as easily as we eat our breakfast and insult others as often as we open a door. We hurt people’s hearts without a second thought. We care about our own needs and desires and don’t consider others. We also justify unkindness, lies, persecution, racism, violence, and other ungodly practices in the name of power and politics.
If you don’t believe that I really believe and value these things, please feel free to read the many posts I have written on both of those topics.
TRUTH:
The Truth Shall Make You Free | Making Life a Bliss Complete
Separating the Truth from the Lies | Making Life a Bliss Complete
Preparing to Vote: A Way to Transform Our Hearts and Minds | Making Life a Bliss Complete
CIVILITY:
Hate won’t make us Great | Making Life a Bliss Complete
My Thoughts This Election Day | Making Life a Bliss Complete
God Bless America, My Home Sweet Home? | Making Life a Bliss Complete
In addition, I believe with all of my heart that Jesus is very displeased with those who take the time during election seasons, tragedies, or other events, to divide instead of unite, bash instead up uplift, condemn instead of enlighten, dehumanize instead of show compassion, etc. My heart is heavy. I feel such a burden on my heart. Because truth, civility, and Christlike behavior are all so important to me, I feel a call to help spread these things to others. That is why I share so much on social media about these topics. I’m trying to make positive change. I have no ulterior motives. I care nothing about party loyalty. I just want all people to have freedom, dignity, respect, and love in this country and in this world. I want us to look for the good in others instead of assuming there is none. I want us to also be aware of lies so we don’t get sucked into them. Lies are one of Satan’s greatest tools to divide us. They bring hatred, prejudice, racism, and intolerance. Truth brings clarity, compassion, and love. I wrote this post last year about aligning my votes with Christlike principles and I plan to do the same thing this year: How General Conference is Shaping My Vote this Election | Making Life a Bliss Complete
So, no, I do not watch, listen to, or read “fake news.” I believe that the truth is the truth, not just if it aligns with what we want to believe or who we want to follow. Sometimes the truth hurts because we don’t want it to be true but lies always hurt people. Ultimately, the truth leads us on the right path and helps us learn and grow and be better people.
I am not perfect, but I am committed to growing in truth and love and being more like my Savior each and every day. I know this is something God wants me to do.
