INAUGURATION DAY 2021

I ponder...

Will today be a day of healing and REST from emotional/racial/spiritual/mental exhaustion, or further shock at the militancy of white supremacists' using scriptures as their cloak?

Will the incoming administration get the prayers (not witchcraft) that was demanded and encouraged for the outgoing administration? Or was the capital debacle a test run and now we begin a 2nd civil war that destroys our country and targets gays, women, minorities, legal aliens, democrats, and even some republicans?

Will we be so busy justifying, defending, and rationalizing our way of thinking that we continue to alienate our neighbors and fellow Americans that do not share our perspective that we cannot operate in grace, compassion, and love?

To paraphrase quotes of the proud boys, evangelicals, and even pastor Locke: "We gone see. Just wait; it ain't over yet."

                                                                       #Sigh.

As Jesus said to HIS disciples ready to call down fire (paraphrased): You don't even know what spirit you are of... Do you know which spirit promotes hatred, rage, and bitterness?

Millions of Americans are experiencing trauma and mental anguish (Covid-19, politics, deaths, job loss, no school, SO MUCH CHANGE) and the ONE PLACE they knew they could ALWAYS GO TO has lost most of her credibility among those millions. So shaken (focused) are evangelicals with the government credibility that they may not have realized 70 million plus are equally shaken with the church's credibility. Did the church get caught focusing on the lesser victory?

Some will read this and say, "F- 'em. They cheated. They supported abortion and voted in a pedophile. They get what they deserve."  Which communicates they are not worthy of God's grace, mercy, and salvation. But Jesus was heartbroken when He cried out 'O Jerusalem, Jerusalem..." And when he looked at people who needed Him, he was moved with COMPASSION. I hope this morning that we all walk humbly before God and move in compassion and grace. No Koolaid and Jim Jones jokes, no classless taunting, no wide mouths at people who do not feel this is a day of celebration.

To my neighbor who feels this is the death of America and that the sky is falling, who feels comfortable enough to share his lament with me, I will sit with you through your tears and disappointment, and I will offer comfort and remind you of God's Love. I will not even try to say why something happened or explain. I will just walk in peace and do my UTMOST to show love without blame or arrogance.

And I hope others who see Christ as their example will do the same. 

Do you know what spirit you are of? Luke 9:55

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