In my corner of northeastern United States, political turmoil is evident. In quick-time, the media and public conversations can get a bit heavy.

To lighten my mind, I took a few steps: I educated myself, prayed, and became a bit more aware.

To educate myself, I read the book titled, The Conscience of the Constitution: The Declaration of Independence and the right to Liberty, by author, Timothy Sandefur. The book was interesting. Sandefur made an argument against interpreting the Constitution without referencing the Declaration of Independence.

With the Declaration of Independence in hand, it is surmised that judges can more correctly interpret the Constitution, especially this sentence from the Declaration: We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness. — That to secure these rights, Governments are instituted among Men, deriving their just powers from the consent of the governed, — That whenever any Form of Government becomes destructive of these ends, it is the Right of the People to alter or to abolish it, and to institute new Government, laying its foundation on such principles and organizing its powers in such form, as to them shall seem most likely to effect their Safety and Happiness.”

The book clarified the need for government, not to assume they are in office to grant Americans rights as if they are privileges, but to secure the rights that are already ours.

To pray, I looked at these ideas and had to be honest. When it comes to the adage that “all men are created equal,” I know humanity has yet to manifest that equality in government, in the workplace, or in the home. I also know it’s difficult to act on our rights to life, liberty and health.

But I could grasp the significance of placing my hope, not in governmental officials, but in the Constitution, in the Declaration, and in other writings that point us to higher ideals.

I then realized that instead of placing my hope in the actual writings, I can place my hope in the government of God, in the management of thoughts in line with higher ideals.

I read from Isaiah: 9: 6-7

For to us a child is born, to us a son is given; and the government shall be upon his shoulder, and his name shall be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. ⁷ Of the increase of his government and of peace there will be no end, on the throne of David and over his kingdom, to establish it and to uphold it with justice and with righteousness from this time forth and forevermore.

My personal increased education and prayer has led me to practice upholding honesty, justice, and peace. This has shown itself in not arguing politics with people who are set in their ways. I can move on in equanimity and express my thoughts in receptive atmospheres. I don’t need to add to polarization, but to our right to reason and be controlled by thoughts of higher ideals.