With the launch of Convention of States Action's updated core values, each principle has been highlighted throughout January on the blog.
Today let’s consider our commitment to revere Judeo-Christian values and be kind.
SEE ALSO: Convention of States launches new, revised core values
Our Republic was founded on the resolution that every individual has intrinsic value, is made in the image of God, and is endowed by that God with inalienable rights.
Without these principles, social cohesion disintegrates in a moment. Without common respect for your neighbors, lawlessness and depravity prevail.
This is why we need to understand the importance of Judeo-Christian values and defend them at all costs. These values include the Golden Rule: “Do unto others as you would have them do unto you.”
We all have someone who pops into our minds when we hear the word “kindness.” For many of us, Ginny Rapini, senior vice president of grassroots and mentoring, is that person. Graciously, she shared some of her thoughts on kindness in today's culture.
“Being kind is simply having enough respect for other people to treat them the way you want to be treated.”
In the early days of COS, Ginny and her local group of patriots would go into the belly of the beast, the California State Capitol, every week for three months to visit each legislator’s office regardless of their political party, as many of the grassroot teams do all over the country. Their rule was simple: treat others how you would like to be treated and no wagging fingers.
Unfortunately, we live in a political climate where basic kindness and respect are forgotten or forfeited. Since it is all too easy to fall into the trap of treating others how they treat you, Ginny says it is important to remember, “I can only change myself. I can’t be worrying about fixing other people.”
In this way, the practice of kindness is intrinsically tied to the principles of a self-governing society. No one else gets to control how you react to situations. That power lies squarely in your lap.
So how do we practice kindness?
While we may be inclined to think of kindness as a state of being, Ginny says this is absolutely untrue. Kindness is “an action you do in the moment; it is not a destination.”
Let us resolve in 2023 to choose kindness and show reverence for Judeo-Christian values through our actions and words
Learn more about our core values on constitutional originalism and servant leadership.