Don't confuse Personality with Character.

The political process will bring out the best or worst in people.  More frequently, it seems, the worst.  At least that's what makes the news.  Here in relatively rural America there is plenty going on that will never make the news.  I've come to rely on discernment as the most needed faculty I possess because figuring out who is friend and who is foe can be difficult.  Unfortunately for me my discernment spidey-sense still needs to be sharpened, but I'm thankful for the relationships it has lead me away from over the years and more importantly the last six months.

A friend of mine was recently surprised by something someone did that he thought he knew well.  He was surprised because it did not fit with the person's character, he said.  And that's the key.  We all go through life thinking we know someone, but until that person is pushed into a corner you may only know their personality and not their true character.

Dictionary.com defines Personality as "The visible aspect of one's character as it impresses others."  Visible aspect.  People are marvelous actors and can go on though life portraying someone that you are attracted to while hiding their true identity.  Or it may just be that what you call a "friend" is a rather loose definition. I think we're all guilty of that sometimes. Business relationships, passing in the hall at school or church, casual conversations even over periods of years will never get you past their personality and into their character.

In contrast, Dictionary.com defines Character as "The aggregate of features and traits that form the individual nature of some person or thing." A desk, by nature, is a desk.  A forest, by nature, is a forest, but until you follow the path into the forest you can't see from the outside what types of trees are growing beyond the outer edge.

So it goes with politics.  Oh the hypocrites I've gotten to know!  So many people saying one thing and doing another.  The web of "friendships", power and money is really astounding when you start to put it all together.  I'm sorry to be so cynical, but do not trust anyone you do not have a very personal relationship with.  Do not outsource your vote to the bubbly personality that just loves you with a hug every time you see her or the activist that is so very passionate or the neighbor that always has lots of political signs in his yard.  You have to do this for yourself.  Read, call, attend, ask questions and pray for the sharpest shears of discernment so you can prune away the dead wood.

A.J.
www.VOTEforAJ.com
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