Table Talk: Is the Pain Greater Than the Greatness

Houston- There are times people we admire greatly and hold in great regards fail to be the greatness we need them to be. When we have held on to this belief for so long it can be a harsh unacceptable reality to admit their failings are greater than their greatness. The harsh reality that their human weakness has caused more pain than their valiant triumphs has given us reason to praise them may be heartbreaking.

As our nation struggles to accept its identity, we struggle to understand the depth of our rich and complex history and the various effects it has had on its citizens. As great as America is, her touch has not always been warm and comforting to all of her children, just as it has not been harsh and brutal to all who love her. Some have enjoyed her generosity while others her short temper, closed hand, and quick strong hand of discipline.

While some Americans know only the giving, welcoming, and caring side of this great country, benefiting from her willingness to defend her young at every cost, too many of her precious devoted offspring know a far different side of her, the dark cruel and less forgiving side; quick to rebuke and scorn the unfavored noisy child.

As symbols of our great history are being questioned and scrutinized, we have to try and see through the eyes of others what is the interpretation of each symbol. Is the pain greater than the greatness? It is not wise to down play the pain and hurt of others simply because we can not feel or understand it, just as it is not wise to move in hast to pacify or mask over the pain yet neglecting to understand the root of the pain. Equally, it is not in the interest of the nation to neglect to understand how some can see greatness in what takes on the face of pain and evil for others.

Some how generation after generation America has managed to get by as a dysfunctional nation, denying our reality while insisting others face the ugly truth of theirs. And so every so many years we continue to be bombarded with riots and uprisings of new groups and organizations warring against each other in the name of LOVE for the nation. Yet we are more like siblings fighting for an inheritance that is quickly being depleted, taken away by those outside of the family. At some point there must be wise leaders who are willing to take on the long, painful, and tedious task of coming to the table and begin to work towards a true healing. It will take leaders from different religious, political, ethnic, and cultural backgrounds willing to be open and honest, while not being defensive or judgemental of those taking part in the conversation. They must be willing to ignore the noise and shouts of those on the outside who stand only as distractions and limitation to progress. May God grant us men and women who are gifted with wisdom, knowledge and understanding who will come to the table...quickly before it is too late.

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