Remember that you were a slave in the land of Egypt, and the
Lord
your God redeemed you.
- Deuteronomy 15:15 (NRSV)
*
I just cannot let it go.
Growing up in Massachusetts we learned all about the Indians the Pilgrims met and became friends with, learned from, lived alongside. So many things have Native American names that it helped create for me the myth of a blended people... and yet I did not have any Native American friends.
When I got older and understood more about the way that American Indians were treated by the immigrants, I was sick about it. Trying to incorporate that truth into my being was impossible. It just didn't fit. We could never have done that!?
Now we have a Trail of Tears statue in our living room because my bride grew up in Oklahoma. She learned very different stories than we did. How could we have done that!?
I have to admit that I don't know very much about what is going on at Standing Rock Reservation and the protests about the oil pipeline. I have turned away from it. I need to educate myself more. The images and stories I have seen of water cannons and rubber bullets are alarming to say the least.
What is going on!?
We just lit our Advent Candle of HOPE yesterday morning in our sanctuary.
Where is HOPE in this situation? Where is sanctuary?
As a disciple (student) and apostle (one who is sent) of hope, what will I do now? What will we do?
*
Everything on the earth has a purpose, every disease an herb to cure it, and every person a mission. - Morning Dove Salish
*
Prayer: Holy One, as we leave Thanksgiving Weekend behind and move further into Advent, help us to remember the past so that we do not repeat it. Amen.
