Bishop James W. Dixon, II, D.Min.

Pastor, The Community Of Faith Church

Dr. Dixon is also President, NAACP Houston Chapter

The battle over election laws has become too partisan, too political, and too personal. I am personally deeply disturbed by the widening chasm between Texans and citizens in Harris County. I speak for more than myself when I say that the “Us vs. Them” mindset is going too far. Frankly, we are becoming decisively divided. At a critical moment, Abraham Lincoln declared, “A house divided against itself cannot stand.” Long before that, the same words were spoken by an even wiser leader and written in scripture (Mark 3: 24-25).

By the way, God has children who are Republicans and Democrats, yet all Christians. Over the years, I have enjoyed and maintained relationships with friends who are on both sides of the political spectrum. More than friends, they are my sisters and brothers in Christ. Transparently, I share beliefs with family members on both sides. I have actually been criticized for collaborating with people with different opinions, in opposing parties. But I have always sought to be guided by higher principles that unite, rather than divide us. Above politics, we are all PEOPLE!

Most of my friends, Democrats and Republicans, are also Christians. When we meet…we shake hands and hug. We pray together. We read and share scriptures together. We even worship together. We golf together. We cry and laugh together. We support and comfort one another in tough times. We do not agree on everything, but on the main things, we agree. Or at least we say we do.

Unfortunately, I am starting to wonder. Do we agree on the value of each other’s hearts and minds? Do we believe in human rights? Do we agree that we would learn from each other, if we could hear each other? Does it matter to you that something you believe in really hurts my community and me? So why can’t we have an honest conversation about Critical Race Theory, Voting Laws, Criminal Justice Reform and Minimum Wage?

I am fearful that we are sinking to dangerous levels of denial, disregard for human life and disrespect of moral values. More and more we demoralize and demonize those with whom we differ. Our impassioned positions have become poisoned with bitterness. Our hearts are filled with evil thoughts and “what’s in it for me,” seems to matter most. In our efforts to defend our positions, destroying each other appears to be a cost we are willing to pay. Worse than archaic, this borders on animalistic. How dreadful that would be! Educated, sophisticated citizens, who have been elevated to civic and ecclesiastical leadership, are too void of moral character, courage, and compassion to have healthy dialogue. So, the vicious and vitriolic attacks continue. For how long?

It is a real mess – in our neighborhoods, our communities, our cities, counties, states, and nation. My faith tells me it can get better. But how? Well, we surely cannot fix it if we are not willing to talk with each other. Think for a moment. If everyone in the room believes what you believe, and agrees with your anger, and passionately supports your point of view, you are not about to help repair the breach. This is how we perpetuate problems rather than solve them. We stay closed-in with likeminded people, and we lock out those who have differing opinions. After all, did God make my side smarter than your side? According to the scripture I read, we were all made in His image and likeness. Aren’t we worthy of each other’s company?

My prayer is that we challenge ourselves to be better than this. Words like, leadership, partnership and statesmanship come to mind. In church, we would add, Fellowship. We who are Bible believing, Spirit-filled, God loving people should get a grip on ourselves. Pick up the phone and set a meeting. Come, let us reason together. Let us work together. It ain’t easy. But we are smarter together than we are divided. Besides, I miss my friends.

And please forgive me for my part in this.