The idea that "you are what you choose" emphasizes how choices shape one's personality and identity. Every choice, whether it’s how to respond to adversity, which values to embrace, or how to treat others, contributes to who you become. This aligns with the concept of free will, where individuals have control over their actions and therefore bear responsibility for the outcomes. It's a reminder that consistent, mindful choices—especially those rooted in principles like faith, integrity, or perseverance—define one's character and future.
For examples:
15-year-old Daniel's decision to stand alone during tests, as recorded in biblical accounts, demonstrates unwavering faith and resilience. When faced with trials, people may:
- Dive: Give up or succumb to pressure, which reflects surrender to external forces.
- Withdraw: Avoid challenges altogether, leading to stagnation.
- Determine and thrive with faith: Like Daniel, enduring hardship with faith in Christ builds spiritual strength and integrity, leading to growth and fulfillment.
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Kamala Harris, during a presidential debate, crossed the hallway to shake Donald Trump's hand, despite later referring to him as having been convicted of 34 felony counts. This action might seem contradictory, but several factors could explain her decision.
Firstly, the handshake may have been an act of professional courtesy or political decorum, a tradition in debates where candidates often engage in civil gestures despite deep disagreements. Politicians sometimes extend such courtesies to maintain a public image of respect for the office or the process, even if they vehemently oppose the individual.
Harris, who served as Attorney General of California, is well-versed in the legal system. She likely knows that Trump, at the time of the debate, had not been legally convicted but was facing multiple indictments. Referring to him as a "convicted criminal" was likely rhetorical, emphasizing her stance on his actions and character, not necessarily reflecting a literal legal status.
On the other hand, Joe Biden’s decision not to shake Trump's hand might have been a deliberate refusal to offer even a symbolic gesture of respect, aligning with his stance on Trump's behavior. Biden has often positioned himself as directly opposing Trump’s values, and avoiding the handshake could have been his way of reinforcing that stance publicly.
In short, while Harris extended a handshake as part of formal debate etiquette, her later comments reflect her political and moral opposition to Trump’s actions, in line with her legal background. Biden’s refusal to shake Trump's hand could be seen as a stronger symbolic rejection.
(H/t:
At the time of the debate between Trump and Harris, Trump had not been legally convicted but was facing multiple indictments. The ongoing legal cases, such as the civil fraud case in New York, have resulted in significant rulings against Trump, but these are civil matters and not criminal convictions. He faces various charges, including business fraud and election interference, but no criminal conviction had been reached by that point?
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Joe Biden's refusal to shake Trump's hand likely reflects his position on these legal and ethical controversies.)
