Hope takes the occasion to rise from the ashes of ruin. It does not wait for the best situations to shine, but like the Nightingale, it sings its song in the night. Its song heralds possibilities that make the proper use of potential. Having a history of pain and suffering alone is not sufficient for victory. It requires a faith deeply rooted in the individual’s soul and a willingness to overcome the obstacles before him. This is not just faith to overcome, but faith to fulfill God’s purpose for the life received as a gift from above. As is often stated, “The night is darkest before the dawn.” As African American history is under the threat of being erased by a political leader whose intent is to nullify all that may expose the negative side of our nation, the Nightingale is perched to sing a song of truth. Not to divide this nation, but rather, to establish the foundation of truth here, making it a more perfect union.
Reformed American theologian Reinhold Niebuhr dealt with the idols of race and racism. He wrote, “This idol can easily grow into something very cruel. As a result, it is possible to make national security or cultural and racial purity an end in itself, justifying militarism and domestic oppression, or at least indifference to the plight of minorities” (Nature and Destiny of Man vol.1_ Human Nature). He made clear the dangers of viewing the interests of one’s own tribe or nation as a group that sees itself as superior to others. It is also mentioned that “The lust for power is prompted by a darkly conscious realization of its insecurities. The most obvious forms of idolatry are those in which the world of meaning is organized around a center such as the life of a tribe or nation, which is patiently contingent and not ultimate.”
He understood the tendency to privilege the interests of one’s own tribe or nation over others when a group thinks of itself as superior. “The lust for power is prompted by a darkly conscious realization of its insecurity.” “The most obvious forms of idolatry are those in which the world of meaning is organized around a center such as the life of a tribe or nation, which is patiently contingent and not ultimate.” A new day is dawning when what appears to be light is proven to be darkness. A discerning people, primarily the people of the Light (the Church), must be the agents of change to expose the evil works of the devil. Dr. Martin Luther King said, “Darkness cannot drive out darkness; only light can do that. Hate cannot drive out hate; only love can do that.”
The spiritual alarm from Heaven is currently sounding to awaken those who have been lulled to sleep. A political security blanket is not enough to keep you warm in this climate. The movements for life must include justice and righteousness for all. If not, God will expose the hypocrisy of those who profess to be what they are not. However, God knows those who are His and will make known to others what is of Him and those who are for Him. The best is yet to come!