Wednesday July 22, 2020
Randy Carey
Learn
Wow, this week’s reflection around the word “Learn” will have so much meaning to so many different people during these challenging times for all of us. I am learning with a lot of help from family and friends how I can stay upbeat and maintain hope in such a challenging period in our immediate communities and in the world at large. To not forget how truly blessed we are as a family. I admit that I struggle and fail at this on a daily basis.
Someone I know on social media recently posted the Pledge Allegiance To The Flag: “ I pledge allegiance, to the flag, of the United States of America, and to the republic for which it stands, one nation, under god, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all.” Now I am old enough that when growing up, every morning in home room before classes, from 1st grade through being a Senior in High School, we had to face the American flag in the room and say the Pledge of Allegiance. I’ve probably said this hundreds of times during my school years and never thought too much about it. Indivisible with liberty and justice for all has a completely different meaning to me now than it did so long ago. I am learning with everything we are seeing in the news lately that we are not living up to this promise in our country. We are divided by race, religion, ethnicity, conservatives vs. liberals, rich vs. poor, and there certainly is not justice for ALL in the world right now.
I am learning that we need to do better, and we need to be better as god’s children and what he expects of us as brothers and sisters in Christ.
So, I need to learn and remember (and hope) that there are more good people than bad people trying to “right the ship” and that light will overcome darkness, love will conquer hate.
I am learning to trust in God, that he has a plan for us and that I need to continue to pray. For the safety and health of my family, friends, our clergy and community at St. John’s, and the entire world. That we will get through this dark period, by coming together in unity and not through division and hatred, through kindness and compassion and not intimidation. That I will need to start with myself and learn to love more, be more tolerant, and be an active participant in the solution, whatever that may be.
I am learning that I am a work in progress!
“So don’t worry, because I am with you. Don’t be afraid, because I am your God. I will make you strong and will help you. I will support you with my right hand that saves you.” Isaiah 41:10
“Do not let evil defeat you, but defeat evil by doing good.” Romans 12:21