I’ve been on a bit of a hiatus–the past month has left me physically and emotionally exhausted, between work and school projects and helping with the Sunstone regional conference. The past couple of days have been restful. So to ease back into my blog posting, I’m going to let someone else do all of the work.

Yesterday was the National Day of Prayer, which is often an opportunity for religion and nationalism to copulate publicly. I struggle with this co-mingling. I like religion and patriotism when they help people to connect with things bigger than themselves–the problem is that true religion should make each individual deeply aware of their connection to all other humans, but when combined with patriotism often this sense of connection ends at the country’s borders (although religion is very capable of limiting human vision without the help of the state).

I realize that the entire situation is more complex than can be explored in 250 words or less, so this is my shout. Emerson said, “Sometimes a scream is better than a thesis.” I agree.

Anyhow, I went to a local interfaith breakfast, where I paid way too much for an oily quiche and limp danishes, but got more than my money’s worth listening to Bob Edgar, former Congressperson and current general secretary of the ecumenical National Council of Churches. He was a powerful orator. His theme was:

We are the leaders we’ve been waiting for!

He shared a powerful quote from Howard Thurman. It’s a bit long, but worth including (almost in full):

I confess my own inner confusion as I look out upon the world.
There is food for all – many are hungry.
There are clothes enough for all – many are in rags.
There is room enough for all – many are crowded.
There are none who want war – preparations for conflict abound.

I confess my own share in the ills of the times…
I have been concerned about my own little job,
My own little security,
My own shelter,
My own bread.

I have not really cared about jobs for others,
Security for others,
Shelter for others,
Bread for others.

I have not worked for peace; I want peace,
But I have voted and worked for war.
I have silenced my own voice that it may not be heard
On the side of any cause, however right,
If it meant running risks

Or damaging my own little reputation.

Let Thy light burn in me that I may, from this moment on, take effective steps within my own powers, to live up to the light and courageously to pay for the kind of world I so deeply desire.

His conclusion was the best part. Here was the leader of a national Christian organization, attacking national imperialism and emphasizing God’s universal kingdom in front of a group of conservative Orange County religious leaders. Here’s a snippet:

EMPIRES invade other countries and markets and cultures to destroy. GOD invades the heart, the mind and the soul to seek peace.

EMPIRES fight wars on terrorism by labeling all who are different as terrorists. GOD shocks and awes us with words of forgiveness and reconciliation. GOD always avoids simplistic labeling.

EMPIRES are built on greed and arrogance. GOD’S KINGDOM has always been built by average, ordinary people like us, called by GOD to be the leaders, the prophets, the disciples of this generation. Again, we are the leaders, prophets and disciples we have been waiting for.

I‚Äôm cheating here‚Äîmy notes weren‚Äôt that good. I found his commencement address at the Eastern Mennonite University online. It was pretty close to yesterday‚Äôs speech (the joke was different). I encourage you all to read it. It’s fun and easy reading, but has a bit of a kick. Let me know what you think.

As for me, I feel a need to repent and recommit.