Decades ago, there was a hit song, a song that was a lesson in itself.
Rick Nelson’s “Garden Party”.
Recently, I ran into some on the Left who love to preach “coexist,” which they claim means “exist in mutual tolerance despite different ideologies or interests.” That’s only true when you’re not “triggering” them or doing things they consider offensive … which can be anything they don’t like.
Inclusive, isn’t it?
I have always opened a meeting with a prayer, and then the Pledge of Allegiance. God and Country. Specifically, I invite people to arise in body and spirit and join in prayer. It’s not an order. It’s not a command. It’s an offer. It’s offering a hand. Join me.
Nearly all religious texts implore the faithful to offer prayer before any worthwhile undertaking. I recently had to momentarily seize control of a meeting so that we could offer a prayer.
For the food, and for those we elected to important positions, to do well for all of us. The Christians stood. The Jews stood. The Hindus stood. A thoughtful prayer was offered. We shared a meal together, conducted the business of the organization, and proceeded to have some laughs.
The only people who were sour were the “Coexist” people. They thought that having a prayer would make some people uncomfortable. Shoot, sometimes, my very presence makes people uncomfortable, but I’m not going to shelve doing things the right way because it “might” make some people uncomfortable.
The United States Senate opens with a prayer. As does the House, as does most state deliberative bodies. So, I’m not about to be silenced because a vocal minority think it’s old fashioned or may alienate a small fraction of those present.
Life, by its inherited nature, is uncomfortable. If it’s not, you’re not doing it right.
The lyrics from that hit song from years ago were, “But it’s all right now, I learned my lesson well. You see, ya can’t please everyone, so ya got to please yourself” …
The majority are just fine with a prayer before a meal or a meeting, and they are OK with the Pledge of Allegiance, too. We stand on the shoulders of the giants who came before us, and their wisdom approved of prayer and The Pledge.
If you disagree, I’m just fine with it. You just need to be respectful.
