I did not even need a picture to grab your attention. Racism is a controversial topic right now. I am self declaring myself to be a repentant racist. This past month I have been watching, I have been reading and I have been listening. I know your first reaction may be, “What? Becky, the quiet pastor’s wife is racist?” My answer is yes. I may not intentionally be mean to people of color. That is the catch, intentionality. Through the course of my 47 years I have benefited from a system that favors whites. Up until now I have unintentionally been participating in a system that is harmful and deadly to those who may look differently than me. Unintentionally or ignorance is not an excuse. I believe for most Americans, ignorance can no longer be an excuse.
Through the events of this past month, light is dispelling darkness. And, this darkness is downright ugly and evil. It is time to ask, “What is the true history of our country?” What is the history of our cities and small towns? I am asking the question, why was there just one black girl in my small town kindergarten class? I am not even sure if her family moved before first grade. I don’t recall her continuing in our school. I was too young at the time to wonder about this, but I can’t use that excuse any longer. This example from my own life does not represent liberty and justice for all. I am not sure what happened to Regina, but she most likely did not have the same educational privileges that I did. For this reason (and many more) it is now time for me to mourn for the black community for the rights (justice) that have been withheld from them. I have to be honest. I am having a hard time celebrating the 4th of July this year, Independence Day. Not just because of the current Pandemic impacting social gatherings and fireworks but because of the events of this past month and really the past several years. This 4th will be more subdued and reflective for our family. I do have the custard for homemade ice cream in the fridge chilling and we will grill hamburgers and hotdogs for dinner not forgetting the watermelon. But, am I truly proud to be an American? This is Independence Day, but who benefits from this independence, this freedom? Do all Americans truly benefit from liberty and justice? It is for this reason our Independence day will be more low key. Even though I am struggling with the thought of my US citizenship, a privilege because of my birth in this country, I am not struggling with my citizenship as a Christian. I have been adopted into the Kingdom of God. I can say with the Apostle Paul, “But our citizenship is in heaven. And we eagerly await a Savior from there, the Lord Jesus Christ.” Philippians 3:20 I I may live in a “great” nation but this nation is made up of sinners, me included. Because we are sinners, our nation is flawed. But there is hope because of the truth found in God’s word. I encourage you during this season of turmoil to seek first the Bible for truth, not the news, social media, or maybe even family or friends. The Bible is our plumb line, our center line. The Bible keeps us centered on what is true.. “So this is what the Sovereign Lord says: “See, I lay a stone in Zion, a tested stone, a precious cornerstone for a sure foundation; the one who trusts will never be dismayed. I will make justice the measuring line and righteousness the plumb line.” Isaiah 28:16, 17 I place my trust in that cornerstone, a sure foundation. Our nation does not define justice, but God’s word does. So on this Independence Day, I am taking time to celebrate the freedom I have experienced as an American but it will be a sober celebration as I reflect and mourn with the people of color because of the lack of justice they have received. Lord, may your kingdom come. Matthew 6:10
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AuthorI am a woman who loves everything about making a house a home. I enjoy meal planning, cooking, baking, sewing, crafting, and decorating. Not so much cleaning and laundry, but that goes along with caring for a home. I am blessed to be married to a pastor and we have had the privilege of raising two daughters. Archives
July 2021
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