Institutions.

What do you think of when you hear the word, “institution?” I’m not necessarily talking about the dictionary’s definition. I’m asking what the word means to you? How does it make you feel?

Our social institutions are under attack. Opposition isn’t always a bad thing. Our willingness to ask difficult questions often refines the institution itself. Mental institutions of the past needed to be questioned. A dangerous, abusive institution needs a serious makeover.

What’s scary is the institutions that create the framework of our society are being demeaned and attacked. Remember, I said questions aren’t necessarily bad. Lies, on the other hand, are detrimental to civility and societal health.

Our government, our healthcare systems, a press free from governmental oversight, cultures, public schools, higher education, law enforcement, etc., etc., etc. The list is never ending. Ungrateful hearts and rebellious arrogance seem to be strangling the life out of our country.

I often wonder if we are the “big bad wolf” in our own fairy tale. Is our critical spirit blowing our house down? Are we creating havoc for our kids and grandkids? A society without institutions operates in chaos. Is that what we want? Is that what we are hoping to accomplish?

“Bear fruit in keeping with repentance.” The repentance our country needs isn’t only defined by changed hearts. It is revealed through changed actions.

I encourage each of us to answer the questions in this blog. We want a healthy future, don’t we? Lastly, if we want to revamp our entire institutional systems, shouldn’t we start with one at a time as opposed to all at once?