Our culture produces too many verbal battles of the will and too few compassionate connections of the heart. Unkindness won’t convince people that your opinion is right, but it might convince them that you’re rude.

Perhaps there are better ways to persuade people than with angry politics or physical violence. The Jewish people wanted a political or military solution to Roman tyranny. Jesus offered the kingdom of God based on peaceful and spiritual heart connection.

To try to get people to agree with you, you can: 1) Bully them; 2) Kindly persuade them, or 3) Live your life so well they want to learn more about what you believe.

I’m tired of all the public conflict and verbal abuse. In a true meritocracy, just being human would merit respect. Here’s what I want to see taught in school and demonstrated in society: Honesty, hope, humility, kindness, forgiveness, peace of mind, awe, gratitude, and creativity.

Gratitude is like granite. Let’s build with grateful granite instead of tearing down with disdainful rudeness.