Lamentations

First, they came for the Socialists, and I did not speak out—
Because I was not a Socialist.

Then they came for the Trade Unionists, and I did not speak out— 
Because I was not a Trade Unionist.

Then they came for the Jews, and I did not speak out— 
Because I was not a Jew.

Then they came for me—and there was no one left to speak for me.

- Martin Niemöller

This was poem was written by Martin Niemöller, a German pastor who did not immediately speak out against the Nazi regime and eventually found himself in a Nazi concentration camp. The above words can be substituted with immigrant, African American, Hispanic, Muslim, and LGBTQ. Being silent is being complicit. We need to stand with one another because our turn is coming. This administration is targeting everything that is different. They are targeting immigrants, black and brown people, and anything that does not fit into their Euro-centric America. Just because the mob has not knocked on your door, or burnt a cross on your lawn doesn't mean that they will not eventually come for you as well. Be sober. Be vigilant. Stay woke. 

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. 

Influence

There are a lot of things that influence our lives. Technology, religion, politics, economics, music, and media are all ways our lives are influenced daily. Our news feed on Facebook dictates what we are exposed to in our social circles. Our cell phone notifications alert us to new emails and direct messages. Before we get out of bed, we are already media saturated. Not to mention, the radio programming we listen to during our morning commute, or the billboards we see on the way to work. We are unconsciously being manipulated. We have brand aversions created by subliminal marketing. All these things leave an impression on us. We must be mindful of what we allow to influence us. We must deliberate in what and whom we allow in our sphere of influence.