Pope united the nation for a few brief days

Mental Matters
By Dr. Jennifer Goble

Pope Francis’ visit to the United States moved me to tears. Watching thousands of people, including politicians, exhibit excitement, with respect and reverence, gave me hope. It was so touching.

I wanted the joy and faith reflected in eyes and body language of all men, women, and children etched in time. Each person’s religion, political party, race, sexual orientation, or financial status was unimportant.

What emerged were moments of hope crossing through enormous crowds listening to a man who was difficult to understand yet delivered a message people yearned to believe and embrace.

Peace often feels out of reach or impossible, even in our families and small communities. Mean or violent behavior seems to be popular. No one is innocent when it comes to judging harshly, stirring trouble, or doing nothing. Each of us has pointed fingers, avoided opportunities to help, or failed to consider another’s hardship.

For a brief few days, with Pope Francis’ visit, our grand nation seemed to unite for a common good. Even the media decreased embellishment of negative news. Hope was centered around the words and behavior of one man, and his loving message for human dignity.

His message was inclusive; he spoke to everyone. In my opinion, nobody, unless s/he was mentally unstable, could disregard the words spoken or the message intended. Even a non-believer or narcissist must have been impacted at some level.

I was taken aback by Speaker of the House John Boehner. His visible emotion during Pope Francis’ time with Congress was evidence, to me, of how he too was touched, maybe even life changed, by the presence of the People’s Pope. Did it have anything to do with his resignation from the third highest post in government?

I’m not a politician, an avid researcher, or a model for pure living, but I can read people. Pope Francis is a refreshing and essential leader who walks his talk of mercy, compassion, and humility. I get the sense he prays for each of us as he asks us to pray for him.

His visit motivated me to want less, give more, and love simply. To not just quote the Golden Rule, but to remember Francis’ words, “The yardstick we use for others will be the yardstick which time will use for us.”

Until the next time: Live while you live!

(Jennifer Goble, Ph.D. is a Licensed Professional Coun-selor. Check out her book, My Clients…My Teachers and her weekly blog at www.jennifergoble.com.)

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