Power

Joe Biden said something in his inauguration speech that I had never heard, but I thought was great.  “We lead not by the example of our power, but by the power of our example.”
I have never understood those on power trips.  Having power may take strength, but not using it takes greater strength.  There may be a time and place to use it, but it is not to be used indiscriminately.  It amazes me how we do not always stand for the right, but we always recognize the wrong.
All over the world, and though time, there are examples of those who see their power as their plaything, and the people subservient to them as pawns to do with as they will.  Great suffering occurs at the hands of those who use power to further their own aims without thought to the consequences.
I play sport to win, and life to win, but neither at the cost of those around me.  Whenever I have been against someone I know I can beat easily, I make it that they need to lose rather than me win.  In other words, it is less my ability but their inability, that determines the course of events.  My aim is to make and not to crush.
I totally think a person needs to come from a position of strength.  I think power is a good thing.  Those inferior cannot set the terms.  But setting terms that are fair to all when I could take all, takes power on the inside.  The goal is not just to win, but to win over.
Rhetoric that is not backed up by power is rhetoric only.  Nice words may be nice, but it is actions that win the day.  To me a combination of both is a winning combination.  Power without humility is dangerous, while humility without power is helpless.
My admiration lies with those who use their power to benefit all.  It is no wonder we say, “they did a power of good.”  This way of thinking is one of the pillars of my life.  I am very much of the view that you cannot use it if you do not have it.  But to me power should be used on an “as needs” basis.  It is not to be squandered or used just because it can be.  Where possible, it needs to be used to build others up, not to push them down.
Not everyone is of that opinion.  Some regard power and people as their plaything.  I can be someone’s plaything.  But I feel no matter the consequence, I need to always be true to myself.  There may be madness around me, but that does not mean I need to be mad.  This way of thinking may be a minority view, but when it comes to me it is a majority view. 
For me, loving my neighbour wins every time.