History and Bigotry.

 History and Bigotry.

 

Reading the post by Tara Ross today about George Washington and how he scolded his troops for their intentions of besmirching any Catholics by burning the Pope in effigy, reminded me that he was very careful that all of his troops had chaplains of their own faith with them as they camped or fought in all the different campaigns. At least Washington was not a bigot. Now we will have to grant that he was not at first enthused over the idea of having Negros in the ranks, but he eventually changed his mind about that situation as well. Freedom was just as important to them as it was to any other American. Now it makes me wonder today if we have forgotten how important it is not to be guilty of bigotry. Bias is one thing. Bigotry is totally different. Just having a difference of opinion has always been part of America. We had Loyalists and Patriots who totally disagreed with one another to the point of fighting against one another—sadly. But eventually our beliefs in America came together more or less cohesively. Our nation was SO much more spread out and demanding in its different types of nature and obstacles than anything ever approached in Europe. It took a harder man and woman to deal with everything from droughts, floods, blizzards, deserts, and mountains—most of which could be seen just in Texas alone! But seriously, what does it take to engender respect for others in this nation now? It does not matter whether you are celebrating Diwali, Hanukkah, the Feast of Tabernacles, or Christmas. We are still all of the same nature—mankind. Our regard for others should always be one prefaced with kind thoughts and acts. The same should be said of our treatment of animals—kindness and consideration.

 

 

 

 

Our world and our customs have changed dramatically in the past 70 or 80 years. We no longer regard church as a community gathering of worship or engagement of acts and thoughts of social concerns. Our children hardly know that any day of the week or any religious belief matters. Some of us still seem to see the sun going down on Friday evening as the beginning of the Sabbath. Some still see Sunday as the day to meet and greet one another in the name of Christ. Yet most of our customs even in these areas have changed.

 

Years ago—long before my great-greats were born, God foretold how things would be upon this world. He knew mankind would not have kindness and consideration for others. He plainly said that there would not be love for our fellow man. But, despite the fact that He said the world would be corrupt, we still have choices as individuals to make. It is up to us to show that we don’t live with hatred in our hearts. We can disagree with others but still have respect for them.

 

This post was not meant to be a sermon, by any means. But today has been one of questions after talking to my cousin. Most of the time we all just live by the details—one little task after another that does not require thought beyond a vague issue of planning and construction. We focus on the now instead of on the possibilities ahead of us. Thinking in terms of where the nation has been as opposed to where it might go from here has made some of us question the clarity and sincerity of thoughts and actions—in communities, in government, in education, in religion, in individuals. We have to live detail by detail, but we still need the vision to see beyond today. Prayer means something to me. My power to do or see beyond today is very limited. But One who can give me power and vision has promised to do so. Let us be sure to ask.

 

Rest and Be Thankful. You are loved.