When I started my blog in 2014, I vowed I would never write about politics or religion. Today, I am writing about both. Recently, every attempt I’ve made to write something light and personal has come out trivial and hollow, (more so than usual) so forgive me while I veer off course with this post.
I was moved when I went to church on Sunday and we sang Martin Luther King Jr.’s favorite song, “Precious Lord, Take My Hand”. This song has never had the same impact on me as it did today, the day before we celebrate Dr. King’s birthday, even when I worked jobs where I participated in MLK Day service projects and programs. Because Sunday also marked the start of a week in which we say good bye to one man who broke racial barriers to become president, and we swear in another who broke conventional political barriers to become our country’s leader. Each will leave his own legacy, and whether you are happy or sad that one is leaving and the other is beginning, depends on your personal values and beliefs.
In a few days, Donald Trump will be my president, and there is nothing I want more than for him to succeed in leading our country and representing us on the global stage. But that doesn’t mean I’m giving him a free pass.
I want him to remember that healthy government includes tolerance and respect, compassion and justice, promise and opportunity, for ALL people.
I want him to realize that serving the people is not the same as serving yourself, and that volatility and impulsiveness are not healthy leadership traits.
I want him to value how differing opinions will enhance his decision making, and to stop insulating himself from the real issues of the real people who elected him, as well as those who didn’t.
Next Saturday, I am marching in Lansing, not against Donald Trump, but for the disadvantaged and disenfranchised, for the hungry and hopeless, that they are not forgotten as Trump defines his legacy. And for my young nieces and other girls and young women, so they understand their worth is never determined by their looks.
I’ve chosen to be hopeful because my faith demands it. I hope you will join me in both hopefulness and vigilance in holding our new president accountable.
Precious Lord, take my hand, lead me on, let me stand.
Link for Lansing March: https://www.marchonlansing.org/2017/01/15/march-lansing-update/
AMEN!!
A very insightful reflection….thanks for sharing!
Carolyn
Thank you, Carolyn. Appreciate you taking the time to read and comment.
Thank you, Carol.
We went to see “Hidden Figures” yesterday. It brought me to tears several times. When we were leaving, Wayne remarked, “I’m afraid we are going backward in so many ways.” I want to ask so many people, “How can you call yourself Christian, when you are so mean spirited and selfish? How can you be so short-sighted? How can you have such a narrow view? How can you . . .?” I am having trouble getting past the dismay I feel when talking to friends and family who I know voted for D.T. Thanks, again, Pam, for putting how I feel into words. xoxoxoxo
I’m seeing the movie tomorrow – thanks for the preparation. Progress is so slow sometimes. As always, thanks for the read and comments.
https://www.marchonlansing.org/2017/01/15/march-lansing-update/
Thanks Phyllis. I’ll update my post with the link.
I agree wholeheartedly with every word you wrote and I salute your activism. Like Kathy, I too recently saw “Hidden Figures” and was so inspired by the story of the three women who overcame such great odds to achieve their best and in the process contributed to the success and strength of this nation. I suspect there are trying times ahead and I plan to do what I can to ensure our society stays as fair and civil as possible.
Thank you, Paula. If we all do our part… I really appreciate you taking the time to read and comment.
Beautifully written. This song was sung in our church yesterday too. A local writer recently asked why people were marching – why can’t we just face reality? I responded that we were facing reality and that is why we march. The upside of the D. T. election may be the empowering of so many of us to make sure we move forward and do what we can to make our country treat all with equality and dignity. There’s always HOPE.
YOU have inspired me to become engaged. Thank you.
I’m glad you steered into this realm of religion + politics. We need as many voices as possible to hold our leaders – all of them – accountable to the people and for the people – all individuals.
Thank you. Yes, it will take a village. A very large village.
Pam, thank you for your thoughtful words. I too will be in Lansing not in protest but as a reminder to myself and others that we all have voices that must be used and not be silenced, either by others or our own self doubt. Thank you for breaking your promise about politics and religion. They are both part of who we are.
Char, thank you. Exactly, we all have voices – let’s make ours heard.
I agree with your thoughts on the March on Saturday. Having much difficulty in the hopeful aspect.
Take care, my friend. Admire your determination with sticking with your writing. You do a great job.
Thank you Marge. We must never lose hope.
Thank you for saying this so we’ll pam. It has been very helpful. I have not been able to get past my advocate’s anger on behalf of the disadvantaged and the vulnerable. This is not good because it hurts rather than helps those it intends to protects. Your words have been inspirational and have given pause for thought and a new direction. Thanks again. Hope you are well and warm.
Thank you Retta. We are living in a time filled with inspiration, really.