4th of July: Thursday's Reflection

Today is the 4th of July, and I wonder what your plans are for this holiday. Fireworks? A picnic? Watching a parade? Listening to patriotic music or speeches? Do you have a flag flying at your house?








Here's an additional thought, thanks to Joan Chittister in her new book, The Time is Now, A Call to Uncommon Courage. She pleads with us to say
                No to the abuse of women.
                No to the rejection of the stranger.
                No to crimes against immigrants.
                No to the rape of trees.
                No to the pollution of the skies.
                No to the poisoning of the oceans.
                No to the despicable destruction of humankind for
           the sake of more wealth, more power, more control for a
           few.
                No to death.

But that's not enough, it is time to say 
                Yes to equal rights for all.
                Yes to alleviating suffering.
                Yes to embracing the different.
                Yes to who God made you.
                Yes to life.  (pp 15-16)

Saying "yes" and saying "no" is not enough, however. The challenge is how to live these affirmations and declarations. That means more than flying the flag. Even though this sounds contradictory, a first step towards action and commitment is to become still. 

Sit in silence. Breathe in and out until you find your own rhythm. Clear some space in your mind. Listen to the movement in your heart. What is weighing on you the most about what is happening in our country right now? When you watch or listen to the news, what tugs most at your heart or sends a shockwave through your body? What can't you bear to know? When do you feel yourself grimacing, groaning, grieving? What are your fears?

I know, I know, who wants to do this on a holiday, when we can instead be paddling a canoe, grilling brats and eating baked beans and potato salad, or playing golf? Who wants to consider all that worries us on a holiday meant to celebrate the ideals of our country? But if not now, then when?

There are all sorts of ways to say "no" and "yes." Lots of people are leading the way with campaigns and demonstrations and ways to become involved on a local or national level. Pick one. Any one, but do something to add meaning to the flag waving outside your house. 

One more thing: All the flags displayed in my home are meant to be an antidote to tanks. 



An Invitation
How are you going to act? I would love to know. 

NOTE: I recommend listening to a conversation between Sister Joan Chittister and Oprah Winfrey on Oprah's Super Soul Conversations podcast, May 27, 2019.