If you aren’t online or at a Battle Ground City Council meeting, you may not be aware there is discord and division in town.
This is nothing new in some sense, and there will always be disagreements. This is where we should gather strength, not weaken Battle Ground as a whole. Constant division leads to catastrophe.
I’m not sure who you voted for, what you believe, or where you spend your time — but I know you’re my neighbor. We cannot let our differences of opinion, and even differences in power dynamics, outweigh showing what the goodness of working together can bloom.
At our faith community, we have been focused on Jeremiah as of late, and Jeremiah 29:7 states: “Seek the peace and prosperity of the city … because if it prospers, you too will prosper.”
This instruction was given to people in a place they didn’t want to be, with unshared beliefs, strife, and more. God called them to bless the community by digging in deep.
I encourage all of us to serve our neighbors, sit across the table from those you disagree with, but do not lose hope in the midst of it all. There is goodness abounding in Battle Ground. Find ways to volunteer, serve families, support local nonprofits, neighborhood events, schools, food programs or community projects. If it doesn’t exist, and you have a passion, start it.
We are building a prosperous, compassionate, loving city, where everyone is seen and valued, and it takes all of us. We each have a passion, set of skills and personality that make Battle Ground what it is.
We are stronger together, in cooperation, even with those we may not fully agree with. Don’t lose hope. I’d encourage us to all ask: How can I make Battle Ground stronger this week?
Will Swaney
Battle Ground
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Letters To The Editor
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