It's me, Miss Dottie, blogging away in hot hot HOT N Central Texas. As much as I love where I live, July and August are not my favorite months. Day before yesterday, I went to Waco with my neighbor and the temperature gage on my car registered 103 degrees. Felt like I was back in Yuma, Arizona! I am very grateful for air conditioning in my car, the house, and cottage. I usually have the fan going in the cottage and have 6 pups laying on my bed basking in the cool air. They are so funny and always bring a smile to my soul when days of tragedy seem so dark and foreboding.
Thursday night a peaceful protest was being held in Dallas. Towards the end of the protest, shots began to ring out and people were running for their lives. In the end, 12 police officers had been shot, 5 fatalities. What I could consider a good thing (freedom of speech being exercised by a group wanting change) was turned into a solemn situation. They were protesting the treatment of blacks by the police. Strange that the very officers they were protesting against were there to protect them when shots were fired and began to ricochet.
The Dallas police chief and mayor were on TV Friday morning; and, I must say, I was so proud of them and our city. There was a prayer service at Thanks-Giving Square at noon. I wish I could have been there but was tuned in and on my knees. Hate begets hate; love (most times) begets love. I have a warriors heart and march for the rights of ALL people to have the right to freedom and peace. I march for truth and for the unjust to face a trial of their peers. From the time they could understand, I encouraged my children to speak up and not be afraid to fight for their rights as individuals. They always have and I am proud of them for that.
You know who the biggest divisive force is in our country? The media. I was talking with my neighbor as we motored to Waco and we were sharing the news of the day. She was very angry about a report she'd heard on the news. When she was done venting, I asked her if she had heard the "whole" story and she admitted she hadn't. I knew the story behind the story and it was nothing like had been reported. I relayed the story from beginning to end. She didn't believe me. Truth be known, we hear what we want to hear based on our own perceptions. I've been thinking about this a lot over the past few days. We are born into a specific family and culture which shapes our view of what is true and normal. We grow up learning about love and hate ~ justice and injustice. A lie becomes truth if repeated enough. My perceptions have changed so much over the years simply because I have lived in different parts of the country and have experienced different cultures. I'm a seeker of truth and have found that even truth has layers. What is true in Hillsboro, TX may not be true in Glenwood, MN. That being said, I've learned to learn, listen, then speak.
And He who searches our hearts knows the mind of the Spirit,
because the Spirit intercedes for the saints according to the will of God.
And we know that God works all things together for the good of those who love him and are called according to His purpose.
Romans 8:27-28
God can turn tragedy into triumph. It all depends on how we view the road blocks in our lives and where we invest our energy. All I know is that hatred and anger displayed in a violent manner does not help a cause. There are good people and not so good people. If you have a criminal record (black, white, yellow, red) you're going to be on a watch list on somebody's computer. Simple as that. Miss Dottie says, "Keep your nose clean and remember all choices have consequences."
Dear Lord, I thank you for this day and for the coming together of the city of Dallas to celebrate the lives of officers lost in the line of duty. May this be a spring board to better understanding between all people. May the prayers offered up at Thanks-Giving Square be a way of mending the wounded spirits. Father, we need you in our lives to help us discern evil from good, to recognize truth not as the media reports but in knowing whole stories before we jump to judgement. Bring peace to our nation through understanding. We are either part of a problem or part of a solution ~ help us to know the difference. I pray for my Readers today. Open their hearts to what You have taught us. Help us to minister to those less fortunate and get out of our entitlement mind set. Let us all bring our offerings to you whatever they may be. In Jesus holy name I pray as your servant... Miss Dottie PS The person you will be in 5 years is based on the books you read, the groups you favor, and the people you surround yourself with today. Choose wisely.
No comments:
Post a Comment