July, and the 244th anniversary of the founding of our country, the United States of America, From the beginning, we were an experiment in democracy. However, only wealthy, white men with property were eligible to vote at first, many of whom owned slaves, including the author of the Declaration of Independence and the First President. It is one of the greatest disconnects in the history of humanity. Those who argued, wrote, supported, fought and were willing to face prison, injury, loss and death for freedom, liberty and the representative government denied that for which they pledged their lives to everyone else: women, Native Americans, the poorest and people of color.

In all honesty, July 4th has always been a conflicted holiday for me. As a child, I enjoyed family picnics and community fireworks. I have always loved my country and been thankful to be born an American And yet, knowledge of our history and awareness of where we still fall short of national ideals causes me to pause.

As one raised in the Christian tradition and committed to the ways of Jesus, I am aided by biblical prophets. They both cared deeply for their nation and people, and criticized it passionately when not living up to its covenant to love God, practice mercy and do justice. I do give thanks for America, or that part of America that was the underground railroad; preserved the union and ended slavery; claimed women’s right to vote, secured democracy for the world and civil rights at home, cured polio, sent humans to the moon, and helped bring down the Berlin Wall.

I am saddened, dismayed and angered however, by the part of America that puts greed above generosity, profit ahead of Earth’s preservation, and rationalizes exploitation, bigotry and denial of basic human rights to others, often in the name of God and country.

America is my home; Americans my fellow citizens. Our experiment in democracy continually needs rework-ing until we truly live up to our ideals. The same thing is true about the Christian church. It continually needs renewal and reformation until we obtain the mind of Christ. Both are ideals that should drive our passions and influence our faith and politics.

Let us pledge to pray, work and support current efforts to help create a more perfect union. And may the Spirit of Christ enlighten us to wherever we may be holding up the progress.

Remain safe, stay connected, be well, and continue to make a difference.

These ancient words, first composed by He-brew/Jewish voices, expressed deep sorrow of those experiencing injustice and violence by others. They could just as easily be spoken today: by many people of color, especially black men like Ahmaud Arbery and George Floyd, killed by their greatest enemy: racist cops and ex-cops who believe they have the right to hunt down, arrest, and even execute BM.

The Psalm’s lament is the song sung by citizens who have come out in droves to peaceful-ly protest the systemic racism in our country that keeps a boot, literally at times, on the necks of the poor, marginalized minorities.

Yet, pain of the soul and sorrow of the heart must also be felt by legions of honest, just police who now must try to bring order to chaos in our streets.

It was bad enough when a hundred year pan-demic exposed unimaginable fear and dread upon an entire planet, forcing us to shelter in place and wait for science and medicine to save us.

The coronavirus pandemic was immediately followed by an economic one. While the wealthier with resources and assets can ride it out, and even get richer, at least half of the country lives on the edge of financial insecurity and ruin, forcing a hard choice between safety and survival. Such anxiety and uncertainty is causing a third pandemic: a growing mental health crisis.

And now, the oldest virus in America is revealed once again: racism. Like all viruses, it continue to mutate into different forms of injustice and evil. Whatever else is said, these are the days that will affect our country for years to come. Again, I am reminded of ancient wisdom from our scriptures:

Our struggle is not against enemies of blood and flesh, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers of this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil Ephesians 6:12

I write as a white person of means and privilege to other mostly white people of means and privilege. As we discern how we as disciples of Christ should respond to the evils of our days, it is my responsibility to remind us that we follow one who was lynched by the power structure of that day. Lynching better portrays the violence done to Ahmaud, George and Jesus (crucified has lost its un-just, scandalous nature) and shocks us into hard truths about where we need to stand, and with whom. God grant us courage to do so.