I’ve remained fairly quiet about politics for the last several years. Oh, if you read everything I write, I’m transparent enough. But I haven’t been one to post politically on Facebook or share favorite memes on Instagram. I admire those who do– it simply hasn’t felt right for me.
In fact, at times, when I was producing videos and websites where so many women contributed their voice, I thought I was acting cowardly (yes, if you follow those links, I just outed myself big time. Some of you hate me now, sorry).
I talked to one of my outspoken friends about it, and she advised me, “Stay quiet for now. You’ll know when to speak up.”
And it’s now.
Ever since summer, I’ve had the nagging prompting to write about unity, finding common ground, treating each other with more civility and kindness. And those may sound like sweet, easy topics, but I’m learning unity and peace are extremely controversial.
Still, I know it’s what I’m meant to do. Not for myself, but because God commanded us to love each other. I published three things in the last week and lost hundreds of friends and followers. But I know I wrote with kindness and love; I know I’m supposed to keep writing.
Here’s the quandary for writers– whenever I sit down to write something my brain says,
“There are so many people writing. No one needs to hear from you,”
“Nothing you say will make any difference to anyone.”
“You’re going to submit that to the Deseret News? Do you just love hate mail?”
“Maybe you should do something useful like clean the playroom.”
And so, the playroom gets cleaned and the words remain stuck.
Here’s the truth– 99% of what I write really doesn’t matter or help anyone or do any good, But once in a while, I stumble upon an essay or a project where I realize I’m the only person who could have done it and it DOES MATTER to a few people.
I’m OK with those odds.
This year, I’m publishing something about peace, unity, finding common ground, etc, once a week. Some weeks in my local newspapers, online LDS magazines, today.com and elsewhere. Who knows, right?
I don’t know where I’m going with this. I don’t anticipate any personal benefit. In truth, I’m afraid. Still, I can build my parachute on the way down.
Let’s face it. After a year like this, after four (almost five) years of the most extreme political divisions our country has seen (and those divisions have spread all over the world and into families and churches and businesses) a lot of people are too hurt and angry to even think about unity.
And I get it. I really do. Turns out I have a lot to say. Here’s my first three, I have a dozen more planned, ideas for a podcast called ‘Common Ground’ and more. Let me know if you have any ideas.
Sending you love. Even if you disagree with me.
xoxo, M
Letter: Treat everyone with humanity, whether it’s Mitt Romney or Burgess Owens
angie
I agree completely. Thank you so much. I live far away from Utah and I have not been in the loop on the videos and other work you have done. It has been hard for me sometimes to be in the heart of that part of the country where people feel very differently, even or especially at church. I admire Senator Romney for standing up because he has a lonely position, too. So thank you very much, Michelle. In the little that I have publicly said, I have always stressed that I love and appreciate my brothers and sisters who feel differently than I do, and I respect the right to their opinion.
mlehnardt8@msn.com
Thanks for your kind words! Yes, we just need to remember we love each other despite a few differences of opinion. And who knew it would be so hard to write about?
Susanne
I appreciate you stating your thoughts and opinions in a respectful manner, which is what I’ve tried to do as well in my online activity. And I’ve had to do it a lot recently. lol
It’s been very eye opening to see so many otherwise lovely, caring people – many I’ve known most of my life – act in such un-Christian ways. I had a sister from my ward accuse me of being a baby killer because I don’t support our former president and – by her judgment – Republicans in general. I hardly knew how to react, I was so shocked. I replied respectfully (despite being offended that she’d accuse me of such a thing), then shared the church’s position about it with her (which I agree with).
I think it’s important to live in tune with our values. I admire Senator Romney because he’s done so unashamedly. I like to think I’d do the same. The fallout for me has been a change in the relationship I have with a few people – including close relatives. There are a lot of strong opinions on both sides and I follow my conscience, just as I hope they will.
Like you, I want to try and build on the common ground we have now, not continue to wallow in the stench of unfounded expectations. I’ve never been able to get past our former president’s lack of character, values, or morals enough to support him, and I never will. If a different candidate had been offered by the Republicans I might have supported that person? Perhaps. I don’t vote party lines.
BTW . . . the link for your letter is broken. (I searched and found it because I wanted to read it.) Here’s the correct link: https://www.deseret.com/opinion/2021/1/8/22221460/letter-treat-everyone-with-humanity-whether-its-mitt-romney-or-burgess-owens.
Janice Robinson
the links to your other articles do not work and I’d love to read your thoughts!
Katie W
Janice, I found links to two of her articles on her Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/michelle.lehnardt
Here’s the actual link for her Meridian article: https://latterdaysaintmag.com/despite-a-wide-difference-of-opinion/
Michele, thanks for speaking up! I am also disappointed by the division in our country. Sometimes I wonder how we will ever heal from this division, and then I see people like you speaking up for it, and I am so glad!
Susanne
I appreciate you stating your thoughts and opinions in a respectful manner, which is what I’ve tried to do as well in my online activity. And I’ve had to do it a lot recently. lol
It’s been very eye opening to see so many otherwise lovely, caring people – many I’ve known most of my life – act in un-Christian ways. It’s important to me to live in tune with my values. I admire Senator Romney because he’s done so unashamedly. I like to think I’d do the same. There are a lot of strong opinions on both sides and I follow my conscience, just as I hope they will. Like you, I want to try and build on the common ground we have.
BTW . . . the link for your letter is broken. (I searched and found it because I wanted to read it.) Here’s the correct link: https://www.deseret.com/opinion/2021/1/8/22221460/letter-treat-everyone-with-humanity-whether-its-mitt-romney-or-burgess-owens.
angie
Good question. The answers might be complex and varied. — In my rural area, most of the members are convinced that the last president is basically a mix between George Washington and Nephi and the other side is the opposite, namely Evil. If I stated by opinions openly, I believe it would not change anyone’s mindset, but it would cause bad feelings. I do not want to cause any division. I try very hard to not lose any respect for these dear and wonderful, loving people, so I push these issues to the side. Also, I would turn some people off to me (and my husband), and we would lose some of the goodwill and trust that we really need to be able to serve in our callings in the best way we can.
For me personally, the risks of speaking up publicly outweigh any possible benefits, as I see it.
So I am doubly thankful to you, Michelle, and all the other courageous women of faith who do speak up and make their positions known in such wonderful, humble, insightful ways. These voices are very, very needed and appreciated and make changes possible.
Heidi
The people who unfriended or unfollowed you are just making space for the people who think you are amazing. And I mean that sincerely. It takes courage to speak up. The ground you stand on is holy because you are standing on it. There is space for lots of ideas. Keep speaking when your heart tells you. Your words make a difference in my life.
Anne Marie
Thank you thank you for your words!! They are absolutely NEEDED at this time! I want to send out a big cheer into the universe for your courage. And yes!! I love the idea of common ground. You are such a gift
Anne Marie
I read Romans 14 the other day, and I loved the way Paul talked about having different opinions