Regarding Counterfeits

Based on Ezekiel 9:1-12:23, Psalm 121:1-8, Proverbs 28:16, Hebrews 5:1:14

GOD, I stand amazed at the morphing of meanings in our world and especially in our nation! We see  things that are good being called "evil" and things that are evil being called "good." And, LORD, we see so many things that are not equivalent being considered equivalent -- and opposites being defined that are not opposites at all. For example:

• The opposite of "pro-life" is not "pro-choice."
• The opposite of "straight" is not "gay."

GOD, You know that personal liberty has been the hallmark of American life. Our country has never been about victims, yet has always helped those in need. You have guided us to creating a safety net for people who cannot manage on their own. You have not suggested that we enlarge to become a safety hammock. That's a different thing altogether.

By Your mercy and grace, You have revealed to us that the human spirit is not made to languish. We are wired to aspire! Yet this viewpoint seems to evoke condemnation: the idea that it is only about the rich getting richer, or hating women's rights, or hating people who are gay. I am tired of this!

Perhaps this most recent national election will bring out of hiding many bills that have been hidden under the skirts of a single man for the past two years. How can one person hold up the entire nation's business? Amazing. We stand astonished. 

Yet now, perhaps, our nation will return to common sense -- and to common cents -- restoring freedoms for everyone (including businesses!) to dream, to aspire, to reach ever higher. In GOD we trust, declaring to monstrous bureaucracies that we "Live free or die." On and also, "Don't tread on me!"

This photograph is by Liz Burnell.