Church & State

Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances.

Flashback to your high school Ethics class. Do you remember the discussion about the separation of church and state? America still has "In God We Trust" on their money, the Supreme Court has carvings of the Ten Commandments, and our Presidents are sworn into office with a bible. Some of the Founding Fathers of this country considered themselves Christians. Despite America's root in Christian theology, I would never consider America a "Christian" Nation. This is the same country that put a travel ban on Muslims.

Every day I see images of the aftermath of Hurricane Harvey. I see people of all racial backgrounds and religions in shelters. I see people helping people in need. When tragedy strikes, politics don't matter. How you worship, or who you worship doesn't matter. America does not have a political or religious issue. America has a humanity issue. When churches don't open their doors and share the love of God, that's a problem. We are supposed to be "one nation under God," and yet we quarrel over what God. When the levees break, and the creek rises...who cares about the separation of church and state? Both should be working to help their neighbors, parishioners, and constitutents. 

Perfect Peace

I've probably had more conversations about race in America more this week than I have had in a long time. I've been reminded of America's dark history that we still refuse to confront. I've seen pictures that resemble the lynch mobs of 1919. I've seen things reminiscent of Jim Crow and Reconstruction, and it saddens me. In 2017, we are seeing the same racial atrocities that occurred centuries ago. It seems like we are moving backward. We cannot afford for history to repeat itself.       Peace usually follows war. There is no need for peace when there is no violence and chaos. As much as we may not understand why all these things are happening, maybe this is necessary for us to finally address America's original sin; not greed, but racism. Maybe this is the catalyst for the change we want and desire. Maybe this is America's necessary evil to achieve perfect peace. 

Resist

In honor of President's day, I would like to shed some light on the Trump Resistance Movement. Celebrities are using their platforms to speak out against the current administration. Katy Perry performed at the Grammy's with a "persist" armband. This was in reference to Elizabeth Warren's persistence in reading Coretta Scott King's letter regarding Jeff Sessions.  A Tribe Called Quest delivered one of the most politically charged Grammy performances of the night which ended with Q- Tip chanting, "resist!" Meryl Streep slammed Trump's administration without ever saying his name during her Golden Globe acceptance speech. Women and immigrants alike have taken to the streets to protest. I challenge you to resist. Resist the media. Resist the propaganda. Resist the negativity. Resist the divisiveness. Resist the hate. Resist the hate.