Greetings Cascade Family and Friends,
I want to share information from my message at the 11:15 a.m. worship last Sunday. I do so, partly because I was only able to deliver it in one service, and I think it's worth repeating. Of course, the sermon was designed to offer a message of hope as we process the outcome of the recent Presidential election. Therefore, I would like to emphasize the following points:
First,
we must see ourselves beyond our current situation
. To make this happen, we must avoid the sense of hopelessness, mistrust, anger, or negative behavior that seem to be the reactions of many. It is also essential that all of us renew and affirm the importance of our close relationships. Those of us who remain hopeful must take advantage of every opportunity to influence others who are not as hopeful. None of us can afford to quit or give up because life seems unfair or hard to bear. Change is inevitable. We can see it already!
Second
, we have got to do a much better job of sharing our story: the African-American story in America.
More specifically, we must share with our children, youth and young adults the complete story of how we gained the right to vote. After sharing the struggles and emphasizing the number of lives that were lost in the battles for us to have the right to vote, I believe that will give many of our young people the motivation to exercise their right and responsibility in future elections. Not only that, we will also begin to regain the pride we all should share, as we remember the enormous obstacles we have overcome. We have gone from being slaves in America, to electing the first African-American President of this great country in 2008 and again in 2012. He was qualified and did an exceptional job. What a journey worth telling-one that should never be forgotten.
Finally,
we must not stand still in the midst of shock and disillusionment
, as a result of Donald J. Trump being elected president. Instead, we must begin now to reflect on and learn from our past mistakes. We made some assumptions and took some things for granted that ultimately cost us the Presidential election. With these revelations, strategic planning and collaborative work are in order. Yes, "it is what it is!" Today, our weary feet have "come to the place for which our fathers sighed." But family and friends, another election is coming! As we move past this moment and do a better job of telling our story, we must not allow our disappointment and fears to consume us. The question is: What will we do differently next time?
Blessings,
Pastor Lawrence L. Young
