Be a Bridge, Not a Wall

If you cannot be a bridge to connect people, then do not be a wall to separate them.

We face this choice every day, often without realizing it.

At the grocery store: Someone's card gets declined and they're clearly embarrassed. You could roll your eyes and sigh loudly (being a wall), or you could look away respectfully and give them privacy (not being a wall). Maybe you even offer to help if you can (being a bridge).

At school or work: Two friends are fighting and both want you to pick sides. You could spread rumors or make it worse by repeating what each person said about the other (being a wall). Or you could refuse to get involved in the drama while still being kind to both (not being a wall).

On social media: You see people arguing in the comments about something controversial. You could jump in with a sarcastic comment that makes people angrier (being a wall), or you could just scroll past without adding fuel to the fire (not being a wall).

Sometimes we have the opportunity to be bridges; mediating conflicts, introducing people who should know each other, or simply listening without judgment. But what about when we can't fix the situation?

That's when the second part matters most: don't be a wall.

Don't be the person who gossips and deepens office drama. Don't pile onto arguments online. Don't dismiss someone's struggles because they seem minor compared to your own. Don't let your bad day become everyone else's problem.

Being neutral isn't always exciting or heroic, but it's often exactly what's needed. When we can't build bridges, we can at least refuse to build barriers.

In a world that feels increasingly divided, this simple principle offers a way forward. We may not always have the power to unite people, but we always have the power to avoid dividing them further.

The choice is ours, moment by moment: bridge or wall?

Choose wisely.

Lets Connect on facebook>>Bishop Dr Mike Angou