On The Verge of Tears

I’m in Houston for 10 days.  I’ve never been to Texas.  I’ve never needed or wanted to go to Texas, but here I am.  I’ve nothing against this state or the people that live in it.  I guess some people from “the North” might think that it’s some kind of terrible “South” state where hate is everywhere.

I’ve yet to had even a sliver of hatred pointed at me.  Me, part of a group of outsiders that have literally invaded their city for two or three weeks.

Over the last few years, I’ve never weighed in on what’s going on in our country, either on my blog, or on Twitter, or especially on Facebook.  I’ve kept my opinions to myself and my close friends, my wife, my family (who I most often disagree with).  I haven’t put out ultimatums to my contacts to “unfriend” me if they don’t agree with me.  Perhaps they unfriended me, but the digital friends that they were, I didn’t notice.

I’ve been a Freemason for a long time.  I’m a brother to all of them.  I don’t hate them, I don’t love them, necessarily, but I am their brother because that is a necessity.  Without a doubt, the most important thing I’ve learned is so simple it’s absurd.  We don’t ever talk about religion.  And we most certainly don’t talk about politics.  Those of you who know me well might find it hypocritical that I was the Chaplain of my Lodge for three years, but my brothers always appreciate my words.

Now, I find myself in an awkward place, both physically and in history. I don’t know what will happen this week, this year, this term, or ever.

Tonight, on my way home from a staff party late in Houston, I encountered a woman who just wanted to get back to her hotel, but couldn’t find her way, and just wanted someone, anyone, to help her.  A friend and I went out of our way to walk her back to her hotel so she was safe.  I’m not asking for a medal.   What I am saying is that I didn’t care about who she voted for, or if she went to church, and she certainly didn’t ask those questions of us.  We helped her because she is a human being .  She’ll forget our names tomorrow, but she won’t forget the help that we gave her.

I don’t care about your political or religious beliefs.  If you’re not willing to be human, and be a decent person to others, than you truly are no “friend” of mine.