HAPPY BIRTHDAY AMERICA

 The phrase “WE THE PEOPLE” is in the very first sentence in the Constitution of the United States. The entire phrase reads, “We the people of the United States...”. The phrase clearly introduces a statement from the citizens of the United States.

To determine the original intent of the framers of the Constitution, allow me to revisit the initial use of the phrase in 1787. It is believed that Founding Father James Wilson was the first to use the phrase. Wilson was one of six men who signed both the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution. He was the first and most eloquent proponent at the Constitutional Convention. He argued that “the new government should be based on the will of the people and not some distant power made up of the rich and powerful.”

What was clear – the Constitution was not to be influenced by England, or any other country. It was to be a statement of the citizens and by the citizens. From this opening phrase, one can correctly deduce that it is the people who wield the power in this democratic republic.

The Constitution says: “We the people of the United States, in Order to form a more perfect Union, establish Justice, insure domestic Tranquillity, provide for the common defence, promote the general Welfare, and secure the Blessings of Liberty to ourselves and our Posterity, do ordain and establish this Constitution for the United States of America.”

To ensure that the voices of all the people are heard in General Elections, the Founding Fathers established the Electoral College. The 538 votes of the college equitably represent states across the country. Whenever a candidate earns more than 270 votes, that candidate would have won the election. In order to earn 270 votes, a candidate would need to have majority votes in many states - in that way, representing big and small states. Why the fuss? To ensure that the will of the people is represented and not abused. In essence, the electoral process seeks to ensure checks and balances – the will of the people must be guaranteed and protected.  

In a 2014 blog, I argued that the study of Civics in America is under attack. I told the story of hundreds of students who walked out of classrooms around suburban Denver to protest a conservative-led school board proposal to focus history education on topics that promote citizenship, patriotism and respect for authority. The youth protest in the state's second-largest school district followed a sick-out from teachers that shut down two high schools. Many students waved American flags and carried signs, including messages that read "There is nothing more patriotic than protest."

The protests among high school teachers and students in Colorado was a microcosm of what was happening across the nation – an infiltration of ideological bias in interpreting history. At times some Christians are guilty of that bias when we interpret history to suggest that the Puritans came to America to establish only Christian communities.

Because of this revisionist approach to history, I chose to reread some lessons in Civics on Independence Day. I wanted to review some ways to ensure involvement as a citizen. Some would want us to believe that our involvement begins and ends with the election of politicians. That is not true.

 

Recently I received my first summons to serve as a juror. I proudly look forward to making this contribution to our justice system. For me citizenship is more than a privilege, it is a solemn responsibility. Other responsibilities include participation in community organizations and payment of taxes. Jesus said we should pay our taxes: “Render to Caesar the things that are Caesar’s and to God the things that are God’s” (Mark 12:17). Paul supported that view in Romans 13:7, “Pay taxes to whom taxes are owed.”

 

In his letter to Timothy, Paul stated that God is pleased when we live quiet and peaceable lives. Hence, Christians are encouraged to pray for those in authority. Such prayer is not an invitation to become passive. Prayer requires engagement. Seeing prayer as an act of faith, James contends that our exercise of faith is useless, if it is not accompanied by engagement (James 2:14-17).

 

MEMORIES OF OUR FATHER

 

MEMORIES OF OUR FATHERS

 

On Father’s Day, my wife and I found ourselves reflecting on the impact our fathers had on our lives. We were raised on two different islands in the Caribbean, in a variety of different circumstances. However, we had one thing in common – we were influenced by men who cared.

As a child, I accompanied my dad on an early morning business trip. He was to receive payment for constructing a horse-drawn cart. Although he had an appointment, the wealthy client took enough time to visibly ignore my father. My father was obviously humiliated as he returned to the car where I witnessed everything. Dad was emotionally crushed. However, he never attempted to compete with the undignified behavior of his client. He probably thought it was more important to model meekness before his twelve-year old son.

Even as a child, my wife’s Jamaican step grandfather called her Miss Launa. On Sunday mornings he would take her to church on his bicycle. The five-mile journey included a hill. She recalls being placed on the bar of the bike as he pushed her up the hill. At times the church deacon would remove his black woolen jacket before entering the modest sanctuary. Little did my wife know that the Ira D. Sankey songs she learned at that church would shape her life. One of the songs that brought this six-year-old to tears was “I’ll Be Somewhere Listening to my Name”.

For me, May 26, 1963, was historic. It was in Trinidad on that quiet Sunday afternoon, my Dad piloted my journey of faith. He and Mom had just completed a series of discipleship interviews. I interrupted their closing procedures to announce my faith commitment. Dad picked-up that my intended announcement was more the quest of a seeker. I could still see the sides of his large Bible resting on his crossed legs. Mom got into a familiar posture, chin on chest while she prayed. Fifty-nine years later, I can confirm that God is still in the transformation business. That decision to become a Christian has affected my career, life-companion, worldview and friendships.

Launa and I cannot stop talking about the care of our fathers. The care was both for us, the immediate family and the community. Launa’s Dada owned land in rural Jamaica. He planted every fruit tree imaginable. He owned and slaughtered animals. She had a fruitful upbringing. It was Dada’s caring spirit that pulled him out of bed on September 01, 1957. For several hours he was helping the hundreds of passengers on the Kendal train crash. He assisted in sorting the bodies of some of the 175 persons who died in Jamaica’s worst transport accident.

We were both humbled with the generosity of my Dad in Trinidad. Forty-nine years ago we got married in Jamaica and moved to Trinidad to serve in Christian ministry. My Dad anticipated the housing challenges we would be facing as a young couple in ministry. On arrival in Trinidad we were offered a two-bedroom apartment. That generous display of thoughtfulness continues to benefit us. That home became a balm for many who were in pain and a place of rest for travelers.

Because of the leadership provided, we could never imagine taking stolen goods home. Our Dads were not known for intellectual ability, but you could not want more principled and godly men. We still chuckle when we recall an event in Trinidad. My Dad was introducing Launa to an old friend. We heard him say, “meet my daughter and son-in-law”. Yes, it was slip of the tongue, but it was a reflection of his heart. He received Launa as his own daughter.

What are your memories of the father figures in your life? Or, you might want to grapple with my question, “what memories am I leaving with those I influence as a father-figure”?