If you know me at all, you know I hate anything that divides. In this season of politics, all that I can see it doing is dividing. We all have our opinions about religion and politics, and that is okay. We all don't have to agree. Nothing good would get done if we did. It is the clash of ideas that gets things accomplished, but yesterday was the "straw that broke the proverbially back" as they say. One of my former students, a sister in Christ, and friend put on her Facebook page that she is upset over people asking for prayers for the direction of our country because she sees that as a form of racism. She went on to say how that disrespects our President. How in the world can someone be offended by anyone praying for the direction of this country and tie that to racism? I just don't get it especially when we are directed in scripture to pray for our rulers and our land. I have prayed for every President since I was an adult. I pray that this country turns back to Godly principles. I pray for a spiritual revival in this country. How is that seen as wrong or as being a racist?
What has happened to us? The very people who preach tolerance are sometimes the least tolerant. I was not raised in a prejudiced home. I was taught that God created everyone, and everyone has value and should be respected. There are too many people out there through their words and actions, on all sides, creating division and dissention. Where are the voices of reason and discernment? It then hit me. Maybe I am to be that voice. Maybe God is saying to me, "When are you going to speak boldly and in love when those around you are expousing division and dissention?" Instead of looking to someone else to stand up, maybe God is nudging me to get out of my comfort zone and maybe be a voice of reason.
So what holds us back? I so wanted to respond to her statement. Everyone that did respond did agreed with her, but surely there are others like me who were offended by her statements. Why did I not respond? Fear of what others would think, would she really listen, would she really think I was a racist because I did not agree, or do I think it's just not worth the fight? It really has given me a lot to think and pray about over the last 24 hours. If I really did only have just a few months to live, would I sit back and do nothing, or would I stand boldy? I have some real soul searching to do.
Blessings and love,
