Dear God, this is America

 Dear God,

This is America speaking.

I know it’s been awhile. Sorry about that. I’ve been…distracted.

Well, with all that’s going on here lately: ISIS breathing down my neck and Ebola flying in my airspace and who knows who’s crossing my border and moving into my neighborhoods.

You know? Yes, of course You do.

But, I’ve been busy trying to figure it all out. Trying to decide what to do. I haven’t had time to sit back and chat. I can’t just sit around and do nothing—right? I’ve got to fight and plan and prepare and—

How’s that working? Um, well…not so good. The borders leak like a sieve, ISIS and Ebola are growing like weeds. And, if things keep going the way they are, I’m afraid they’ll change my name to, The Divided States Of America.  

God…that’s why I’ve come. Why’d You let this happen?

Huh? Why’d I let this happen? What do mean?  Don’t You know who You’re talking to? This is America speaking. Don’t You remember how many Bibles I’ve printed, how many missionaries I’ve sent, how many hands have raised and knees have bent and heads have bowed? You know this. I’ve done good stuff. Great things.  

What? My righteousness is as filthy rags?

…Oh. I see. Your way. Your love. Your blood. Your Son.

Can I have a do-over, Lord?

That’s why You’ve come?

I have stumbled.

I have yielded to the lust of luxury and have been lulled to complacency.

I have allowed those who rage against You to take root and rule my land—Your land.

I have failed to raise my children to know You.

I’ve stood proud when I should have knelt weak.

I’m helpless against the powers that war against me.

Only You can save.

Only You can stop the sword, cut off the plague, change the heart and save the soul.

Only You.

Help me to never forget. I do not war against ISIS or Ebola or corrupt government powers…but evil. 

Only You can help me overcome. 

Father, this is America kneeling.  

I pledge allegiance to the Lamb

~

I pledge allegiance to the Lamb

He knelt on bloody knees. His hands were folded and his head was bowed. Without a sound his voice reached beyond the clouds.

“Stop that! NO prayer on government property. What makes you think you’re above the law?”

The man raised his head toward the sky. His eyes so clear and so steady…the guard looked too.

All that could be seen through the eyes of man was the filth of a concrete prison.  But, the eyes of Love could see all the way to the gates of heaven.

The guard cursed and spit a black stream of tobacco juice.  “You Christians never learn…well no matter. Your boy’s here.”

“M—my son?” The chains rattled as he struggled to his feet. “Why…now?”

The guard shouted over the clanging of the door as he entered the cell. “Last rights.” He laughed and jerked the man to his feet. “I’ll be glad to get rid of you—that snot nosed kid showing up every day begging and crying to see you was driving me crazy.” He unlocked the shackles and led the man to a small room with a barred window.

 “Dad!”

The man reached through the bars and held his son the best he could. Neither could see the other for the tears.

“Why are you here? What happened? Can you come home?”

The father looked to the heart of his child. “Son, listen. It’s my fault.”

“No, you never did anything wro—"

“That’s just it. I didn’t do anything. I’m here because I did nothing. We did nothing. We were comfortable in our pretty churches and cushioned seats. He warned us, He said we’d have tribulation. He told us to watch. He told us to pray. But we sat quietly and did nothing. And little by little they stole all our rights to worship away.”

“But Dad…they told me it’s not too late.” The young man of eleven years old wiped his eyes and sucked in a deep breath. “They said you could go home if you’d deny Him. They said it’s your choice—life or death.”

The man closed his eyes for a moment and nodded at his son. “Son, remember this. Absolutes exist. The lines may need to be repainted from time to time—but they never move.”

The boy forced into becoming a man much too soon nodded. “I know you think what you’re doing is right, but Dad, they’ll kill you if—”

“When it comes to doing right, considering consequences causes confusion.” He smiled at his son. “I choose life.”

The guard leaning against a wall watching the two took a step closer.

“Dad…life? Really?”

“Yes, Son. I choose Life—the kind found on the other side of death.”

“Dad, but…but I’m scared. They said you could come home.”

“I love you Son.” His voice cracked. “Take care of your mom. Pray like I taught you…and Son.  I am going Home.”

I pledge allegiance to the Lamb

~