In just a few days my family will gather for Thanksgiving, and I'm looking forward to it. We're planning a couple of big meals and we've set aside some time for a presentation of our family's genealogical tree. There are two little boys in our family and we will give them some early Christmas gifts since we won't have the chance to congregate again before Christmas. It may even be warm enough to get in a little golf. We may do any number of things- it's hard to say- but I am praying that we don't have a political debate... because I love them all.
Every member of our family is strong and kind. They keep their word and care about other people. They're good people who do what they can to make our world a better place... but they don't share the same political views. Some of them think that, as a country, we still have a lot of work to do... if we are to achieve a society in which all people have real access to wealth and power. Other members of our family think that America has gone mad in recent decades and that we've lost the traditional values that made our country great. They feel that America's working class has been abandoned and forgotten, and that we need to reclaim the Biblical foundation that used to undergird our country. Our family represents the millions of people who are politically divided in America at this time, and in advance of our Thanksgiving gathering, I would offer these thoughts:
1. Family and friends are much more important than political positions. The latter can and should be discussed in a civil manner... but loved ones should be loved unconditionally;
2. As a pastor and as a citizen, I will continue to pray for our elected leaders because I believe it is a Biblical mandate. I prayed for George W Bush. I prayed for Barack Obama, and I will pray for Donald Trump;
3. Certain fundamental rights cannot be compromised! Every American has an inalienable right to pursue happiness and an absolute right to freedom, opportunity, and dignity! These things are higher and deeper that political views and they are non-negotiable;
4. The needs of all Americans are legitimate, and this includes the millions of men and women, both black and white, who used to make decent livings with their hands. These are good people who should not be forgotten or dismissed as dinosaurs;
5. Change will win out. It is inevitable... and some people will be left out. However, ways must be found to find real opportunities for those who are caught up in the change... and each of their voices must be heard and respected;
6. Put finger-pointing and name-calling aside... and do what you can to make America the country that you think it ought to be. If you think it ought to be more prayerful, pray; if you think it ought to be more tolerant, be tolerant; if you think it ought to be more welcoming, welcome others. Practice what you preach and set an example;
7. America is a land in which people have always been encouraged to worship their God in their own way, or not to worship any God at all. This right must always be protected, but as a country, it is also true that we live and work under God... who has blessed us in many and varied ways. Each of us. All of us. Amen.
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