I guess it’s true what they say about history repeating itself.
The ‘20s are roaring, all right.
I’ll spare us the recap of 2020, but let’s just say that ‘21 is adding insult to injury… and we’re only 10 days in.
In case you’ve been sound asleep for the past week (zero judgment here; 2020 took a heavy toll), all hell just broke loose in our Capitol.
The images I saw on the news looked eerily like footage of foreign coups. The stuff of haunting historical accounts and cold-sweat nightmares.
If you – like me – are a glass-half-full kind of person, perhaps you’ve been denying what suddenly seems patently obvious:
The two-party political system has some glaring weaknesses.
Our democracy is indeed flawed.
This nation is deeply (irreversibly?) divided.
And now… our republic totters.
In the aftermath of Wednesday’s unsettling attack, I hope this is also clear:
The riot/revolt/terrorism that took place this past week should be widely – and loudly – condemned. Every single person involved in this deadly attack in our Capitol should – without delay – be arrested, charged and prosecuted (regardless of who they are… or who they know).
Here’s what I really don’t get, though…
A whole lot of folks who ranted and raved last spring about widespread looting, destruction of property and bodily harm are responding to this latest display of lawlessness quite differently:
- Denying that law enforcement’s response to this attack would have been vastly different if the mob was mostly people of color.
- Refusing to utter (or type) a single word denouncing their reprehensible actions.
Some of the same people who so loudly decried the protests-turned-riots after George Floyd’s murder are suddenly (but not surprisingly) silent.
*crickets*
This is what happens when platforms promote (and proliferate) pride and prejudice.
When politics become paramount.
When parties become idols.
When people become targets.
When power-hungry politicians stoke and ratings-chasing pundits provoke and “we the people” tweet/post, this is where we wind up.
Every. Single. Time.
This is what happens when we lose our way… and stray from the Way.
Over the past decade or so, I’ve watched countless Americans pledge allegiance to their preferred political party, claim its platform is the “Christian” one, and make Capitol Hill the hill they’re willing to die on.
(I’ve said this before but maybe it bears repeating: If you’re a follower of Jesus the only hill you/we/I should be willing to die on is… Calvary.)
Obsession is dangerous.
Because obsession is idolatry.
Period.
In the modern world, our idols aren’t fashioned from wood/clay/stone… but they’re just as real. Like our ancestors, we’re easily persuaded that something or someone other than God will save/soothe/satisfy us.
Here’s the truth:
Trump isn’t king. Biden isn’t savior. (Harris isn’t either, BTW.) And neither political party – nor Congress, nor the Supreme Court – could possibly protect us, provide for us or achieve lasting peace.
Listen, if you want to take a deep dive into political ideology, feel free… but I suggest you make sure the water you’re swimming in isn’t toxic.
Or shark-infested.
Personally, I prefer wading in the clean, calm waters where Jesus is.
The Lord is my shepherd. He gives me everything I need.
He lets me lie down in fields of green grass.
He leads me beside quiet waters.
He gives me new strength.
He guides me in the right paths for the honor of his name.
Even though I walk through the darkest valley,
I will not be afraid.
You are with me.
Your shepherd’s rod and staff comfort me…
I am sure that your goodness and love will follow me
all the days of my life. And I will live in the house of the Lord forever. ~ Psalm 23:1-4, 6 (NIRV)
I don’t know about you, but I’m growing weary of this place. Planet Earth, that is.
The problems.
The politics.
The pain, suffering and sorrow.
Last week – while insurgents stormed the Capitol – I visited a very dear friend who’s on hospice. As heartbreaking as it is to see him dying, I’m relieved he’s leaving this shattered world. And I’m thankful he’ll soon be safely home…
In the house of the Lord… forever.
See, heaven isn’t a figment of his (or my) imagination. It’s a promise.
And the Bible isn’t a fairy tale. It’s a road map back to the Way, the handbook of immutable Truth, and a comprehensive guide to Life. (Crack it open and see for yourself.)
When all hell breaks loose, there’s really only one thing to do:
Get low.
Kneel. Seek God. Bare our souls. Get comfortable being uncomfortably honest. Admit our mistakes/sins/self-made messes. Be humble. Ask for help from the only One truly able to fix what’s broken in this country… and in our hearts.
Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God, so that he may exalt you in due time. Cast all your anxiety on him, because he cares for you. Discipline yourselves, keep alert. Like a roaring lion your adversary the devil prowls around, looking for someone to devour. Resist him, steadfast in your faith, for you know that your brothers and sisters in all the world are undergoing the same kinds of suffering. And after you have suffered for a little while, the God of all grace, who has called you to his eternal glory in Christ, will himself restore, support, strengthen, and establish you. ~ 1 Peter 5:6-10 (NRSV)
Steady on.
Wendy
P.S. Want equity and justice? So does God. Got peace? It’s free for the asking.
Wendy with a Why 