Acceptance & Agreement
I turned 56 this past week. I was with my EO Forum group in Dallas, where we were all setting our intentions for the year ahead and discussing ways that we can support each other. I’m so fortunate to be surrounded by these people who help me think clearer and with more ambition than I would on my own.
I’m also so very lucky to have Lori as my partner. We made it to Chapman’s Eat Market last night for dinner, and checked out Cobra Bar for a nightcap. Both were top-notch. We were probably the oldest people at Cobra Bar, but it was good to know that I still know what the “it” place to hang out in Columbus is.
In his Letter from Birmingham Jail, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. wrote, "We are caught in an inescapable network of mutuality, tied in a single garment of destiny." This fundamental observation highlights a crucial distinction that is often missed: the difference between acceptance and agreement. While agreement implies alignment of values and beliefs, acceptance represents something far more essential to human coexistence – the recognition of our shared humanity and interconnected fate, regardless of our differences.
Dr. King demonstrated this principle throughout his life. He did not agree with the systems of segregation and discrimination that pervaded American society, yet he accepted the humanity of the people who upheld those systems. This acceptance manifested not as passive resignation but as active engagement with those he opposed. King's nonviolent philosophy required accepting the reality of one's opponents while also working to transform their hearts and minds.
This distinction between acceptance and agreement becomes particularly important in our increasingly polarized society. If we confuse these concepts, we can fall into the trap of believing that accepting others' existence and humanity somehow compromises our own values. This misconception leads to ideological isolation, which reduces our capacity for growth and understanding.
Dr. King's philosophy suggests that acceptance is actually a strength rather than a weakness. By accepting the humanity of those who opposed him, he maintained the moral high ground while creating space for dialogue and transformation. This approach required tremendous courage – the courage to face one's opponents without dehumanizing them, to acknowledge their existence while challenging their actions.
With Donald Trump’s second inauguration occurring on the national holiday celebrating Dr. King’s life, the difference between acceptance and agreement glows brightly in my mind.
SUNDAY SUPPER
Today I’m going to make a big batch of this Cola-Braised Beef with Chile-Lime Onions, along with this Potato Pavé with Parmesan Crust. I’ll pair them with some roasted cauliflower and a green salad to round things out. This should carry us empty-nesters pretty far into the week, dietarily.
SUNDAY MUSIC
This set by Jason Isbell and Sadler Vaden at KEXP is fantastic. If you’re looking for something more upbeat to do your Sunday chores to, these Classic House Grooves will keep you moving. Enjoy!
If you know anyone who might like this essay, please share it with them.
Have a great week ahead! Offer support to others. Make good use of this day. And let me know how I can help.
Peace & Love,