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Times are tough. We live in the greatest country in the world…the land of freedom and opportunity, but we are at war.
We are fighting a spiritual battle, and our Nation is divided. “One Nation, under God, indivisible” seems nearly impossible in these tumultuous times.
80’s and 90’s kids remember Aaron Tippen’s twangy southern voice singing:
He’d say you’ve got to stand for something or you’ll fall for anything
You’ve got to be your own man, not a puppet on a string
Never compromise what’s right and uphold your family name
You’ve got to stand for something or you’ll fall for anything
Aaron Tippen
Last week I witnessed the public martyring of a leader in the personal finance community. This man tweeted some comments that made him appear insensitive to the struggles of people of color.
As a result, many, many finance bloggers turned their backs on him and his organization, asking for refunds to his event and dragging his name and his company through the mud.
It’s okay to have differing opinions and healthy discussion. It’s not okay to completely eviscerate a friend and colleague.
Freedom of speech really isn’t free anymore. It seems there’s a steep price to pay for speaking your truth and even just having an opinion.
Another incident that happened this past week was that the Birmingham Board of Education cut ties with Church of the Highlands after its Pastor “liked” a tweet shared by Charlie Kirk, president of Turning Point USA, a high school and college campus organization oftentimes considered controversial for its political stances.
What world are we living in that we don’t have the freedom to “like” a tweet without the fear of losing nearly everything?!
Church of the Highlands offered free mentoring, community support groups and faith, health, and social service activities at the Housing Authority of Birmingham Division’s nine public housing communities.
Since 2014, the church has paid Birmingham Public Schools over $800,000 to use its facilities. The church also provided low-income housing residents access to free COVID-19 testing.
A large majority of the recipients of the church’s services were minorities. Please explain to me how this decision to cut ties over a difference of opinion or political beliefs makes sense!
It doesn’t.
You’ve Got to Stand for Something, Or You’ll Fall for Anything
I know you’re hurting. I am, too. I am outraged by George Floyd’s death. He deserves justice, and I believe justice will be served.
I’ll leave you with this verse:
Beloved, never avenge yourselves, but leave it to the wrath of God, for it is written, “Vengeance is mine, I will repay, says the Lord.”
Romans 12:19, ESV
Be kind to one another this week.
xo, love and prayers, Melissa
Life is a collection of memories and experiences. There are ups and downs. I am so grateful for God’s grace and am on the journey to a renewed spirit, free of perfectionism. Perfection Hangover offers the sober truth – no filter.
