I heard a professor of government from the University of Chicago recenty say that he is 100% sure that there will be political bloodshed in American in the next 12 months. He is probably right and it makes me very sad. It makes me sad, because it doesn’t have to be that way.

I look to myself. I study my heart. I’m not a very political person, though I have a passion for honestly and truth and that comes across as political. But even in my self-imposed tribal view, I know that I must always be humble. While I sometimes come across as brash and say things that might hurt other people, I am deeply insecure in my own beliefs and am sorry for any disrespect my words cast.

I want to do better in my years that remain. There has to be a way to seek what we think is right, while loving those who see the world in a profoundly different light. There must be.

I am a great admirer of the Jesus of history who had this uncanny balance of speaking harsh truths and fighting for the needs of others, yet with a gentle spirit of love that left no one feeling disagreed with. Those are clumsy words but I think you know what I mean.

I apologize if I have ever written things here that make you want to punch me in the face. I know that some have seen it that way. I am a passionate person, but that is no excuse. I felt most at home living in an Arab country, where people express their raw emotions like bipolar orangutans. After I write things that seem so appropriate, hours later they appear too brash.

But my point is, hearing these sharp words from this professor, it makes me want to do better. To bring more peace to a divided world.

Mike