Organizers of the January 21 Women’s March on Washington are working around the clock to assist thousands of people in their efforts to unit with equality and justice. For those who can’t meet at the nation’s capital the day after President-elect Trump’s inauguration, there are more than 150 coinciding marches planned around the nation.

The march was ignited by a grandmother in Hawaii last November. It quickly heated up an oven of activism and controversy. As with any event, it can evolve or devolve. So far, its bee evolving.

To avoid degeneration, we can understand that activism and controversy are part of healthy lives and relationships. They help us communicate our needs and differences. Faith and understanding help us grow in ways that benefit humanity, like dough growing into an airy, nutrient filled loaf of bread.

Even if the march appears to fail, we know that failure can lead to success. Novelist, J.K. Rowling was repeatedly rejected by publishers before Harry Potter books became widely-read.

The mission of the Women’s March reads on the official website as: “We stand together in solidarity with our partners and children for the protection of our rights, our safety, our health, and our families – recognizing that our vibrant and diverse communities are the strength of our country.”

The mission language is vague, but pointed, because currently the hot topics of politics, religion, and moral codes are being pushed and shoved in unfamiliar directions, making us uncomfortable.

Barna Group amassed a report on today’s uncomfortable social landscape in the book, Barna Trends 2017. It says, “Deep ideological tensions continue to divide our nation.”

Divisive issues include race, healthcare, the environment, abortion, and same-sex marriage. However, showing a hint of light, Barna reports, “Though large numbers of people of faith believe they are misunderstood, persecuted, and marginalized in today’s culture, most feel as though their faith is not only essential, but a force for good in today’s world.”

Faith and understanding bridge divisions.

Though we may not agree, we can understand that the Women’s March serves as means of educating ourselves. The march symbolizes awareness of “we the people” expecting fair representation.

More than safeguarding the marginalized, the march can outline a path to humanize the mean people who degrade those who are different from themselves. We were created to be humane, equal, and fair.

The march is not a coup d’état. It is not an excuse to be sensitive to or offended by opinions. It’s not a venue to make others feel unwelcome. The march can show respect for democracy.

Moreover, we can keep ourselves from veering off and following the self-defeating characters of anger or fear.

If things do get off track, Christ Jesus showed us that we can withdraw from circumstances and re-establish purpose and peace at any juncture in the march of life.

The Gospel John relays a story of Jesus feeding five-thousand hungry people. After tummies were satisfied, the people’s attitudes started getting off track. They lost focus of the spiritual purpose to unite and understand spirit. They wanted Jesus to do their work for them. What did Jesus do?

We read, “Perceiving then that they were about to come and take him by force to make him king, Jesus withdrew again to the mountain by himself.”

Vogue magazine noted that 176,000 people are planning to attend, per the event’s Facebook page.

Preparation for the march on Washington D.C. includes packing water, food, and handwarmers. It requires dressing in layers and for warmth. Preparation necessitates us to make sure our families and homes are cared for in our absence.

It also means withdrawing from the commotion to readdress and reaffirm our faith in an engaging spiritual plan and love.