Tags
Alllivesmatter, Blacklivesmatter, NFL, NFLprotestinganthem, NFLprotests, prayforpeace, Trump, unity
My heart hurts. I am tired. What do I do about all the chaos in our country? What can I do? What will Jesus do?
Unless you never turn on a TV or read a paper or magazine, you are likely aware of the many, many confusing and divisive things going on in the United States. We have a leader who seems more interested in getting cheers from arranged crowds by erupting in a fire storm of sound bites than he is interested in truly uniting the country and “making America great again”. Corruption among the people we have entrusted with our tax dollars and ultimately our lives is being exposed constantly.
The lack of true guidance in America is repeatedly causing division, pain, death and lasting damage to the morale of the people here. The one that stands out for me, (and I’m sure for most) is the Kryptonite for the United States of America: prejudice.
Recently, the leader of this country started more confusion by publicly berating the NFL players for taking a knee instead of standing for the flag. His position is that the players, who are peacefully protesting inequality in this country, is that these players (most of whom are black) should be grateful that this country even allows them to make millions of dollars. His opinion is that they do not have the right to protest on the field but instead should work the field as they are paid handsomely to do so. Of course, Trump chose his audience wisely. He spat these tough words to a group of Alabamians. Now, I don’t mean to stereotype but I am from Alabama. It has been my experience that the South is this place to start fires such as this. This is a region that loves football almost as much as they love religion. This part of the country is also historically the least progressive and the most intolerant when it comes to racial unity.
And, Trump is proud of the fire he has set. This leader doesn’t seem to care that he continues to divide this country, so long as his illusion that he is loved and admired is not altered. Nevermind the war with North Korea he is starting, the citizens in his own country who has suffered the most violent storms we’ve ever experienced. He seems to have set aside the broken promises of togetherness, fixing healthcare, making trade better, bringing in more jobs and making America great. And I don’t have the time to get into the foreign leaders and allies he continuously angers with his sheer ignorance and quick tongue.
With all of these heartbreaking and discouraging things going on, I am once again seeing a division among my friends and family. I’m sad to say that some is from my church family. I am seeing a side of some people that has obviously been masked for a while. I tell myself that it is not our fault. We’ve been conditioned to think and feel this way.
But do we have to succumb to this?
When does the Holy Spirit kick in and say ‘That’s enough’?
My Pastor (Ryan May of the Net Church) told us that God is not on anyone’s side. God is not concerned with our issues but with our soul. That’s true.
We have to take a breath and remind ourselves that all of this is child’s play to God (if that at all). Do you really think there will be prejudice in Heaven? What is money in Heaven? The only thing that has value to God is your soul.
I know, I know. We have to live here on this earth, in the country, in the meantime. So, how do we say neutral? How do we keep from buying into this huge distraction, this illusion that Satan has created to divide us?
We have to stay in spiritual shape. Which, I admit, I have been slacking lately. But let’s try to keep our minds set on things that are to come: our reunion with the Lord in Heaven where none of these earthly things matter.
If ye then be risen with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ sitteth on the right hand of God.
2 Set your affection on things above, not on things on the earth.
3 For ye are dead, and your life is hid with Christ in God.
Colossians 3:1-3
So, I am challenging myself to not buy into these great distractions of the day. I challenge myself to not engage with anything except the word of God. It will be hard. I am a very opinionated woman. But pray with me, my dear friends. Maybe, just maybe we can pull one more soul out of the confusion and into the family of Christ.
Grace and peace,
Blessings and love,
