Can we still have convictions ?

At a time when it seems fashionable to follow trends and to take sides, I wonder whether it's still possible today to have a thought of one's own, without being branded intolerant, racist, or worse.

Do I still have the right, in the land of the Enlightenment and human rights, to question things or to disagree with the fashionable currents of thought?

Abortion, racism, antisemitism, gender theory, can we still hold our own opinions without having them judged, applauded, or torn down?

"I think, therefore I am."

Am I obligated to feed on the media or social networks just to end up with some mediocre balance, never too much for, never too much against, that drains all flavor out of future sharing and human exchange? Or should I, instead, throw myself into every kind of excess, the hatreds or devotions of today that will be nailed to the pillory tomorrow?

I love foreigners. I'm enriched by their journeys, their thoughts, their culture. I stand by Israel's right to exist, without closing my eyes to injustices that may be committed out of suffering or a sense of grievance. I refuse to start hating Jews in the name of saving another people. I am equally outraged by the violence and hatred of those who call for destruction in the name of peace.

I refuse to be defined by my sexual preferences, because a man, a woman, is so much more than that. And if I have a choice, I'd rather choose life.

I no longer recognize my own country. A country of tolerance and human rights, where violence now seems to win out over everything. A loss of bearings, of hope; fear or rejection of one another in the name of our ideas. And I am ashamed, ashamed of what I hear, ashamed of what I see.

Yes, we can love the foreigner and fight for their rights without sinking into extremism of every kind.

We can love life and defend it, the life of the unborn or the life of someone suffering while still having compassion and no judgment for a woman facing the fear of an unplanned pregnancy, or for a vulnerable person imprisoned by illness. Should we end the life of one or the other? I don't believe so.

I want to remain faithful to my convictions, and faithful to what God teaches me.

"The stranger who dwells among you shall be to you as one born among you, and you shall love him as yourself."This verse from the Bible stays with me and guides me.

I'll close with these words from the Epistle to the Ephesians, in the Bible, which tells us:

"Let all bitterness, animosity, anger, clamor, slander, and every kind of malice be put away from among you. Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, just as God forgave you in Christ."

It starts with me, it starts with you. Be a man, a woman of conviction, in love and respect for your neighbor, and if you're short on compassion, you can ask God's Spirit to give you the capacity for it.

Don't hesitate to write to me or to share your thoughts if you'd like, as always, I'll respond.