When my friend told his son that he and his wife were coming to Savannah for a visit last week, my friend’s son (who is VERY interested in politics) said this to his dad: “So, I guess Doug’s a flaming liberal now, huh?”
After getting up off the floor, Ray (who knows me very well) explained, “Uhh, no, Doug is not a liberal. He’s just anti-Trump.”
I’m not sure I could have said it any better. Not that I won’t try, mind you…. 🤦♂️🤪
I used to be a proud member of the Religious Right. Card-carrying.
Now, I just want to be a follower of Jesus Christ.
Don’t get me wrong; I don’t think the religious right is always on the wrong side of an issue. The liberal left isn’t either. Even a broken clock is right twice a day.
I hate politics. Not that politics isn’t important; I just think…it’s a necessary evil. Making deals with the devil (whoever the other side is) may be necessary to pass important legislation…but, it might cost you something valuable down the line, if you’re not careful.
Like, your ethics. Or, your integrity. Or, your soul. What I’m saying is, it better be important. REAL important.
I’ve pretty much already sold my soul…to Jesus. Not a church, or a religion, or a denomination. Or, a movement, or a political party. Jesus Christ. The Man. The God-Man. Son of God.
For those of you who don’t share my faith in Him as Deity, and Savior…I hope you do understand that His teachings — the things that He said — are not in agreement with the white supremacist agenda being promoted by many who call themselves Christians. In fact, any kind of racism, nationalism, or anti-immigrant ideology is NOT part of the Gospel of Jesus Christ. ANYONE who says (preaches) otherwise is spreading a false gospel.
*Side note: He (Jesus) wasn’t a “white” man. He wasn’t a “Christian”. He didn’t come to start a new religion. And, (🤦♂️) He wasn’t an American. 😳🤪🤷🏻♂️ He was a middle-eastern Jew. And, an illegal immigrant. A fugitive. (In my opinion, the best source for understanding Jesus is to read about Him. May I suggest a book by John Ortberg, “Who Is This Man?”)
I’m not going to talk about politics here today. Or, immigration policy. (For the record, I KNOW that I’m not smart enough to figure out what the “perfect” immigration policy would be.) Or, the recent mass shootings in El Paso or Dayton. Or, what might have been the inspiration for that kind of murderous hate.
What I will continue to write about is the need for us to do our best to love EVERYONE around us, regardless of our differences… racially, politically, culturally. Or, if they believe differently than we do.
And, I will continue to write and talk about the importance — the absolute necessity — of “speaking truth to power”, and holding our leadership accountable. That’s NOT un-Christ-like. That’s exactly WHAT He did, even as The Cross loomed in front of Him.
Jesus NEVER advocated violence against others. He modeled reaching out, and building relationships with “the others”.
I’m fully aware of my humanity, and my imperfections. I know that I’m wrong sometimes. But, I’m trying to do my best to follow His teaching, and His example. If that makes me a “flaming liberal”, then I’ll buy the t-shirt, and wear it proudly. For Him.
I love you all. ❤️🙏
Rounding Second with Doug McGarity 