All hands on deck for a more civil America | Lynn Walker Gendusa

My uncles, cousins, brother and nephew have served in the U.S. Navy. During wars and turbulent seas, they heard the call: “All hands on deck!”

In other words, it's an emergency now.

Today, America is like a ship on which we are all passengers. We need people who can calm the waters rather than stir them. I'm not sure when we decided that being loud equates to being strong, or that being cruel signifies power. Somewhere along the way, we seem to have forgotten something crucial: A nation cannot heal itself while everyone is shouting.

Leadership holds a powerful microphone, and we all live downstream from the words spoken into it. What we say and how we say it truly matters. This isn't about forcing Americans to agree with one another. It's about recognizing that the words of those in power influence everyone, from teenagers on social media to children on the playground.

How many of you have watched the contentious battles during congressional hearings? Often, the language is so harsh and insulting that I find myself turning to Disney to watch a pleasant Mickey Mouse cartoon instead. It seems some people believe that by being more derogatory, louder and more aggressive, they can claim victory. So which resembles a cartoon more – Mickey and Minnie or Congress and the combatants?

I have always believed that becoming president of the United States is a unique responsibility. You don't simply lead those who elected you. You inherit responsibility for everyone, including the states where a majority supported you and those that did not.

That is a tremendous responsibility.

I often wonder when it became acceptable for a president or any government leader to speak about Americans, cities or states with disdain because they hold different political views.

This country has room for conservatives, liberals and independents. Thank goodness we have both liberals and conservatives to challenge one another and keep our country from veering too far in either direction.

Where would we be without the great Republican Abraham Lincoln? Where would the world be without Democratic President Franklin Delano Roosevelt?

President Lincoln's words helped a nation torn apart by a brutal war begin the long, difficult work of healing. He famously said, “With malice toward none, with charity for all.”

President Roosevelt also worked to restore public confidence and trust through his use of radio and “Fireside Chats,” which helped soothe a fearful nation.

Were they perfect leaders? No. But their efforts contributed to making our nation one that was respected and admired around the world.

While we cannot control every aspect of our lives, we can control our words, our reactions and the kindness we extend to others. Our morality isn't dictated by laws. It is shaped by our character.

We need all hands on deck to stop the tide of disrespectful and bitter words. Every one of us has a part to play in calming the waters so our American ship can sail forward with dignity.

"But now you must get rid of all such things: anger, wrath, malice, slander and abusive language from your mouth." (Colossians 3:8)