The high cost of division—and the power of choosing love over fear.

Like many Americans, I’m struggling with the state of politics these days. Part of me envies those who tune it all out—either out of exhaustion or apathy. I understand the appeal of blissful ignorance. But then I remember Edmund Burke’s warning: “The only thing necessary for the triumph of evil is for good men to do nothing.” And for me, doing nothing isn’t an option.

In a political climate full of fear, division, and distrust, it’s easier than ever to fall into othering—the subtle and not-so-subtle ways we dehumanize people who are different from us. When we “other” people, we stop seeing them as fully human. And when that happens, it becomes frighteningly easy to look away when injustice finds them.

This blog is an invitation—and a challenge. When the time comes to choose between fear and love, silence and courage, who will you be?

In today’s political climate, the truth feels slippery. With conflicting narratives dominating the airwaves, it’s hard to know who to trust. So, we lean on the voices we’ve come to believe in. Is your go-to source CNN, FOX, Meidas Touch, or Newsmax? Do you trust Joe Rogan or Stephanie Miller? Charlie Kirk or Bruce Springsteen? Al Franken or Ben Shapiro?  Is your champion Donald Trump, Elon Musk or Barack Obama?

Some say they “listen to both sides,” but here’s a question worth asking: When you listen to the ‘other’ side, are you genuinely curious—or just looking for something to dismiss? If your goal is to find flaws or feel superior, you’re not really listening. The next time you tune into someone you typically disagree with, try this: What would I believe if this were my only source of information? That lens can open a surprising window into understanding.

To me, the divide often boils down to a basic contrast: some people want to help others, even strangers; others worry that doing so puts their own survival at risk. There’s a quick, simple video that captures this idea beautifully—about long-handled spoons, starvation, and salvation through cooperation. Watch it here.

Ultimately, it comes down to two root emotions: love and fear. When we consume information that stokes fear, our circle of love shrinks. We grow suspicious of “outsiders”—the others. To justify turning our backs on them, we vilify them. This is exactly what those in power want. While we’re busy fearing each other, they continue unnoticed, doing what benefits them, and often ultimately hurts those who support them.

When those in power come after people who are different from you, who will you be? The fearful bystander cheering from the sidelines—or the brave soul who sees others as fellow humans worthy of dignity and support?

We all love our families. We work hard to provide for them. We worship in our own ways. We are one race: the human race. The more we focus on that, the more we recognize how much we share.

But when we other people, it becomes easy to look away. “It’s not my problem,” we tell ourselves. “They must’ve done something to deserve it.” Until, one day, it is your problem.

After World War II, German pastor Martin Niemöller reflected:

“First they came for the socialists, and I did not speak out—because I was not a socialist.
Then they came for the trade unionists, and I did not speak out—because I was not a trade unionist.
Then they came for the Jews, and I did not speak out—because I was not a Jew.
Then they came for me—and there was no one left to speak for me.”

My hope is that those who fear “others” will begin to realize there is nothing to fear. When we release fear, love rushes in. And with love, we see our shared humanity. We want what’s best not just for ourselves, but for our brothers and sisters. As we care for one another, we thrive—not at each other’s expense, but together.

Don’t believe the lie that generosity breeds scarcity. That’s just another tactic to keep us divided and afraid.

So, I leave you with this invitation: search your heart. Get quiet. Push aside the noise and fear. You already know the difference between right and wrong. When fear fades, your inner compass will guide you.

And you’ll know what to do.