We as a nation can't seem to decide if we are a divided nation. Show of Hands, a polling app, asked if racism was a problem in the United States of America. Of the 3,352 votes the following percentages voted 'yes': 91% of Democrats, 42% of Republicans, 69% of Independents, 89% of Blacks, 62% of Whites, 79% of Atheists, and 51% of Christian Protestants. Though the results themselves were telling, the variety of comments posted reflect a decidedly divided nation in which respect for even the opinions of others is lacking. Even last week at Glen Allen High School an animated video designed to illustrate the 'Structural Discrimination' which exists in our country, was ridiculed as being divisive and causing white guilt. There were so many complaints that the school board apologized and agreed not to show it again. It seems like even talking about racism is considered divisive, unless you are running for president.
We are a divided nation. But we are not just divided by race we are also divided by class, gender, age, location, and religion. It's time to ring another bell.
We ring another bell when the politicians and those running for office remember that are supposed to focus on the best interest of all people and the nation as well; and not just for their special interest group.
We ring another bell when 'we the people' insist that our leaders act as leaders with integrity and honesty; and not tolerate hateful speech and outright lies.
We ring another bell when pastors and other religious leaders remember that God is at the head and that they are to remember that they will answer to Him; and leave their egos and agendas at home.
We ring another bell when the congregants step up to do the work of the church; and not just sit down and talk about it.
We ring another bell when teachers and other school officials demand excellence from all of their students; and are more interested in the process of education and not test scores.
We ring another bell when students work to follow the rules and succeed in school; as they dream of leaving the world a better place.
We ring another bell when parents and guardians insist on good behavior from their children; and expect them to do well in school and in the community.
We ring another bell when children submit to the authority of and accept the discipline of parents and schools so that they won't have to be disciplined law enforcement later.
And we ring another bell when each and every of us reach out to those we don't usually reach out to. It's time to focus on our similarities not our differences. Because, according to Galatians 3:28, "There is neither Jew nor Greek, slave nor free, male nor female, for you (we) are all children of the King."
A house divided cannot stand. It's time to Ring Another Bell!