The United States seems to be more divided than I’ve ever known it to be. Everything appears to be more politicized than years past. This division is causing quite a bit of turmoil. For instance, “bending a knee” during the singing of the national anthem at a professional ball game is causing so much controversy that it led Vice-President Pence to leave a game early. Some people view the “bend a knee” protest as an assault against patriotism. Others believe the act symbolizes a protest against police brutality. But it’s not just that. What about health care? Some people hold the belief that health care is a human right everyone should have access to. Others see health care as a choice. Charlottesville…some think that there were two groups of terrorists protesting that day. Others view the Black Lives Matter movement as a civil rights campaign and attest that the white supremacists were the only terrorist group present that day. And most recently, the shooting massacre in Las Vegas. How is it that that there are still two separate view points on what seems to be common sense legislation? After Las Vegas, why are we even still talking about the need for tougher gun laws? So…we’re divided. And these are only a few issues that spotlight the divided opinions of American citizens. All of which causes me to wonder, “What has to happen to bring the nation closer together so that we aren’t so seemingly polarized on two drastically different sides?” I haven’t come up with the answer to that question. I don’t know that anyone ever will. However, there has to be a way that we can feel more connected than disconnected. Until some brilliant mind can think of something, the only thing I can think to do is to continue to pray for our nation. So, I’d like to do that now…..
Dear Lord,
Hear our humble cry to heal our nation. Please allow us to focus on what matters most. Give each citizen a heart to do what is right for his/her neighbor. Cause an overwhelming flow of compassion to flow from the hearts of the people. Teach us Your ways because Your ways are always right (even if people don’t believe in You). Let us learn to listen to one another, to be respectful of one another and to appreciate what makes each of us different. And most of all…. Bless the leadership of this country, from the lowest city official to the president. Please God…. Surround each of them with the support, wisdom and compassion needed to bring ethical leadership that will heal our country.
In the name of Jesus….Amen!
Let’s continue to pray for our country and as always let’s press on together!