I was recently moved by the current movement sponsored by Glenn Beck and Mercury One, the
non-profit charity organization he founded. That movement is marked by the
statement Never Again Is Now.
Actually, as I awaken more fully to our situation locally, nationally,
globally, my conviction is continually being strengthened, the sparks of my passion
are being fanned into flames, my faith is deepening, and I am developing a
profound desire to act.
This statement’s purpose is to bring together individuals
from all walks of life to “improve the human condition physically, emotionally
and spiritually” with an immediate focus on the atrocities of Islamic extremism
and our collective ignorance of the evil that is permeating our world. Beck is
taking his message to churches in an attempt to revive the power of those who
are faithful to a loving God, hoping to reestablish the church as an
institution for active grace, prayer, hope, and love. Indeed, our places of
worship need to be more than the feel-good factories, stage shows, and fashion
fairs that so many have become. There has never been a more vital moment for
God’s people to shield themselves with faith, arm themselves with love, and
stand firm in our foundational beliefs.
Birmingham, Alabama was the pivotal city for the Civil
Rights movement in the 1960’s and the reconciliation model for today. This is
where Beck’s first stop will be, and not really by his own choosing. Check out
the amazing story behind the decision here
. It seems to me that Beck is allowing God to work through him when denying His
will would be much easier.
So, I’m inspired. The time is now to be brave, to talk to
those who may be of a different skin color, different religious denomination,
different culture, who may have a different
perspective to find common ground in an effort to bring God’s grace, glory, and
love back into our world. Check that, His world.
I believe I am still
in a majority who believe in the founding principles of our country (pre-New
Deal) and that we are to love our God and love our neighbors as we love ourselves.
This majority, though, seems to be diminishing, slowly slogging into the quicksand
pits of moral depravity, blinded by the barrage of attacks on our religion,
character, and goodness. Seemingly insurmountable conditions? Yep. But Never Again is Now…
So, what do I do?
My initial thought was to contact my pastor and encourage
him to use his extensive network of ministers in the midlands of South
Carolina, where my family and I reside, to bring together an interfaith
discussion with Glenn Beck as the keynote speaker. I am still planning on
pursuing this endeavor. My church is a leader among Southern Baptists; Glenn is
a Mormon. This will not be an easy task. Easier to keep my mouth shut?
Absolutely. But Never Again is Now…
I was recently on St. Helena Island in South Carolina’s low
country and read about Penn Center, site of the former Penn School, founded in
1862 as a school for freed slaves. According to the Center’s website, “It is
one of the most significant African American historical and cultural institutions
in existence today.” I urge you to read its fascinating history here and visit the physical site if you
are near the area. I soon learned that it was here in the 1960’s that “Penn
Center took up the mantle of social justice by ushering in the Civil Rights
Movement and serving as the only location in South Carolina where interracial
groups, such as Dr. Martin L. King, Jr., the Southern Christian Leadership
Conference and the Peace Corps, could have safe sanctuary in an era of mandated
de jure segregation.” In fact, Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. penned the
words to his “I Have A Dream” speech in the Gantt Cottage on the Penn grounds.
It occurred to me that I teach the amazing rhetoric of that
speech to my Public Speaking classes and the superfluous figurative language to
my English classes. What we really need to learn, though, is the message. We
celebrate this man, as we well should, for his bravery and his religious
conviction. He stood for freedom and liberty for all people, delivering a
message of civil protest to correct injustices, shining God’s light in those
dark and evil places that were all too prevalent during his time. This is the
pledge (Beck has tweaked it for the movement -pledge) his
marchers signed upon joining the movement he championed:
The pledge of nonviolence written by Martin
Luther King Jr., and signed by his marchers, 1963
- As you
prepare to march meditate on the life and teachings of Jesus
- Remember
the nonviolent movement seeks justice and reconciliation -
not victory.
- Walk
and talk in the manner of love; for God is love.
- Pray
daily to be used by God that all men and women might be free.
- Sacrifice personal
wishes that all might be free.
- Observe
with friend and foes the ordinary rules of courtesy.
- Perform
regular service for others and the world.
- Refrain
from violence of fist, tongue and heart.
- Strive
to be in good spiritual and bodily health.
- Follow the
directions of the movement leaders and of the captains on demonstrations.
Print Name ______________________________
Signature _______________________________
I find this to be lost today in the chaos of our misguided
society. Where is our civility? Where is our humanity? Easier to give up?
Maybe. But Never Again is Now…
And then - Charleston.
A city near and dear to my South Carolinian heart was rocked
to its core last night by evil. All other motivations pale to the simple fact
that this was an act of evil. Innocent lives, good lives, meaningful lives were
senselessly taken - in a house of God, nonetheless. The murderer is reportedly from
my town, attended a school in my school district. This is too close to home.
All at once, my emotions were a swirl of shock, raging
anger, heart-wrenching sadness, despair, guilt. And then I became fearful for
the people of Charleston and our state. What would our response be? Race was
obviously a motivator in this heinous crime. Maybe anarchy. Maybe religion. We
don’t know yet. Most importantly, though, is the obvious and ominous presence
of evil.
So often, the immediate aftermath of horrific events like
this consists of mindless chaos, riots, destruction, and more murders – an evil
response to evil. Please, no. Not here. Not in my backyard.
I prayed, “ Please, God, feel us with your grace, let us
feel your presence, give us the strength to reconcile nonviolently though your
love.”
Race baiters, politically-motivated activists, and other
divisive individuals began to weigh in and even populate the area. Politicians,
including our President, and others began using this heart-breaking event as an
agenda-promoting opportunity. Let hopelessness reign? It would be easy to slip
into that trap. Allow misinformation to flow freely without challenge? Subdue
my immediate desire to help, to make a difference, and give way to inaction?
Become wrapped up in my tiny world and worry only about me and my own? It is
enticing. But Never Again is Now…
I can’t be in Charleston tomorrow. My schedule will not
allow it. Not physically, anyway. But my heart is there. I see the immediate
response of Charleston’s residents on the news reports and am so unbelievably
impressed and moved. They are hurt, but they are healing through prayer. They
are angered, but they are reconciling through God’s grace. They are shocked,
but they are unified through their faith. They will be in church on Sunday with
a renewed spirit of love and peace. They will…we will grow from this. This is a
moment of significance. I hope our strength and resilience and faith and love
will prevail. I feel…I know we can show the world how civility and courtesy
trumps violence.
“Heavenly Father, grant us the strength to carry on, the
grace to love our neighbors, the peace that only you can provide through your
Holy Spirit, and the wisdom to take this tragedy and make it an opportunity to
shine your light in a moment of darkness. You are good. You will reign over
evil. Purify our hearts and clarify our minds. We love you. Help us demonstrate
this love from this day forward. Amen.”
Never Again is Now…
I don’t know where my road leads, but I know I’m being led
down this road by a power that is much bigger than my own. I hope I have the
courage to follow it.
Will you join me?
This might be a good place to start:
http://now.mercuryone.org/
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