Ownership

This morning I saw a bumper sticker similar to this with the following statement.

“Born American! Southern by the Grace of God!”

Is there anything in our country which screams skewed and messed up ideology other than the combining of these two symbols and the proclamation?

How can any other symbols represent such differing ideals than these two flags? At the most basic of level there is freedom v. slavery.

The statement provides glaring contrasts as well.  

We have absolutely no choice in where we are born. I for one am thankful and appreciative to have been born in America! To proclaim being born in America in of itself is something to be proud and thankful of.

To claim being “Southern by the Grace of God” on the other hand is an absolute insult to individuals and the free choices they make. From a theological perspective it is even more insulting to God. Do we really believe it was or is God’s choice to determine who is “southern” and who is not?

Going back to the flags which represent such contrasting values, I cannot imagine many slaves were thanking God for having been snatched from their homes and made “southern”.

This past week we have heard George Zimmerman state, “I feel that it was all God's plan. I'm not a racist and I'm not a murderer." We have also been made witness to the horrible aftermath of the tragedy in Colorado.

These two events just like the acts of slavery are examples of human beings being evil and stupid all wrapped in one. To claim in any of these or in any horrific acts whether of human action or by nature that God’s “plan” or “will” was carried out is ludicrous.

The claim of “free will” is so often chalked up to “great job man” when something good happens. Yet in tragedy, too often the claim of “free will” being God’s plan totally disregards the victims and their families.  Trayvon Martin and his family were not looking for tragedy.  (The courts will determine the innocence or guilt of George Zimmerman.) The victims in that theater in Colorado, all they had planned to do was go and see a movie. They were not looking be a part of God’s “plan” as many claim. Human beings, ripped from their families and homes for no other reason than the color of their skin and labeled “slaves”, do we really believe they would volunteer for such a plan of God’s?

The world is a crazy place and sadly it is filled with “f”ed up people who snap and do stupid, horrific things. I challenge all of us today to begin taking personal ownership for our actions and our deeds. Just as it is totally stupid to believe God really answers the prayers of those asking for a “football victory”, it is equally stupid and insensitive to all victims that it is claimed it was God’s “will”.

Our “ownership” can begin today by being just a bit more understanding and compassionate and loving, and leave all the judging to God! PEACE!