Tag: America

A History Lesson

As we celebrate the 4th of July I have seen several post about immigration. I even posted one myself. And of course, several people had to comment about how those coming to America for a better opportunity better do it legally or go back to their home country. That got me to thinking. How many of our ancestors came to America legally over the years? So I did a little research.

When talking about immigration policy many people argue that immigrants coming to the United States should all have to enter the United States legally in order to obtain legal immigration status in the United States.Their argument goes something like this:  We cannot make any changes or exceptions in our immigration laws to allow for any type of “amnesty” because it would be unfair to our ancestors and all those who have immigrated legally to the United States over the years. My response to this argument is that you have to examine what the law actually was when you or your ancestors immigrated to the United States. Unless you are a Native American, everyone currently in the United States is either an immigrant or a descendant of a person who immigrated to the United States. 

When our ancestors came to the United States from countries around the world, they did not enter the United States “legally” or with any sort of visa. That’s because immigration laws were virtually non-existent in 1775, as America was still a colony of the United Kingdom. When most of our ancestors arrived at the different ports, they were likely not asked many questions or subjected to “extreme vetting.” They likely did not have visas or any permission to enter the colony. Under the Naturalization Act of 1790, as long as a person was a “free white person” of “good moral character” (who decided that one?) and they could prove that they had resided in the country for two years and had lived in the same residence for a year, they would be allowed to apply to become citizens. This is how most of our ancestors became citizens. Of course many people were brought to America against their will and in shackles. But today, those white ancestors would be considered “illegal aliens” upon arriving in the United States, and after being illegally in the United States for more than one year, would have to leave the country and come back legally through proper processing, with a waiver of the ten year bar. And only if they had a qualifying relative that petitioned for them.

The immigration laws in the United States have become much more restrictive and complicated, especially since 1996 with the passage of the Illegal Immigration Reform and Immigrant Responsibility Act. Plus the different restrictions that have been enacted since the Reform Act of 1996. So when people argue that their ancestors came to America legally, so current immigrants should as well, I challenge them to examine their family history to determine how their ancestors first came to America. Let us not forget our history. America was built on the backs of immigrants. Most of them here against their will. It’s not politicians who make America great, it’s the immigrants who have traveled far and wide and have endured dangerous situations that make America great. If it were not for so called “amnesty” our ancestors and the rest of our family descendants would not have been “legal” or allowed to become American citizens.

That’s your history for today. I encourage each of you to study history before making blanket statements. ~OC

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A Call

Today’s a new day! As I watch tv or scroll through social media, I see so such suffering and injustice. And sadly, I see so many Christians adding to that suffering and injustice. It breaks my heart. More importantly, it breaks God’s heart. During those moments I reflect on the following verse:

“Speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves; ensure justice for those being crushed. Yes, speak up for the poor and helpless, and see that they get justice.” ~Proverbs 31:8-9

As I reflect on those verses, I am thankful that God is different and He desires for those who call Him Father to be radically different.

God loves with a love far greater than any of us could truly ever imagine. He feels our pain and disappointments more deeply than we ever could. God will never force Himself on those who choose to live their lives without Him, even though He longs for those who are hurt and broken to take His hand. But He respects our choices.

But for those who choose to call on His name and call themselves Christians, God expects us to be a reflection of His character. To truly live out the words from Proverbs 31:8-9.

As I reflect on those words, am I truly living out those commands?

In a time where political power seems more important than the Gospel to so many American Christians, is the Christian community any different than the world so many of them like to judge?

As Christian, are we fighting against injustice? Are we speaking up for those with no voice? Are we taking the time to help the helpless? Are we truly seeking justice for those in need or just praying about it? Are we even attempting to be the hands and feet of Jesus?

As I pray and look around, I wonder why so many Christians appear to be just paying lip-service while ignoring the plight of those suffering in America and around the world. Why so many spend more time justifying ungodly prejudices against “others” than helping them. Why are so many American Christians so focused on what makes them comfortable and happy that they turn a blind eye to the suffering of those outside of their safe little bubble? Why are so many Christians walking through life ignoring the scriptures that command us to fight for justice and to love all of our neighbors?

Jesus shared the following warning in Matthew 7:21. “Not everyone who calls out to me, ‘Lord! Lord!’ will enter the Kingdom of Heaven. Only those who actually do the will of my Father in heaven will enter.”

I hope and pray that you do not see this as an attack on American Christianity, but instead a wake up call for Christians in America to step up and actually live out their faith and the scriptures that call us to be loving and radically different.

As I close, I want to pose the following question to my Christian brothers and sisters: Are you breaking God’s heart by calling yourself His child, but refusing to live a life of serving those in need and fighting for justice?

I know I for one, can and must do better. ~OC

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Juneteenth

Today’s a new day! Today is also Juneteenth. I want to share a few thoughts about this day and its significance in American history.

My journey to remembering and celebrating Juneteenth occurred later in life due to a lack of knowledge, as I was educated at a time where most school systems did not adequately teach on African American history and culture. (That’s why we can never return to those days). I believe the history of African Americans and their contributions to American society have often been overlooked or marginalized in traditional education systems. Learning about Juneteenth and understanding its significance can be a powerful awakening to the complexities of American history and the ongoing struggle for racial equality.

‍As I have learned more about Juneteenth, it serves as a reminder of both the injustices of the past and the resilience and perseverance of African Americans in the face of adversity. Juneteenth is not just a celebration of freedom from slavery but also a call to action for social justice and equality for all people. By remembering and celebrating Juneteenth, people of all races can honor the struggles and achievements of African Americans and work together towards a more just society. The journey of learning and growth is valuable not only for personal understanding but also for fostering greater empathy and solidarity across all communities.

‍It is never too late to learn and embrace aspects of history that may have been previously overlooked or omitted. Today, my call to action for you, for me, for communities across America is to be open to truly learning our history. All of our history. This will hopefully allow us to contribute to the broader effort of recognizing and honoring the diverse experiences and contributions of all individuals and communities.

Happy Juneteenth! ~OC

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Call to Community

Today’s a new day! As we scroll through social media or turn on the tv, there is no doubt we are living in messy times. Sadly, across America and the world so many people have become anxious and isolated. 

But, as I look at all of the craziness going on around us, all I can think about is how badly we need each other. We were not created to be divided. We have been called to appreciate and celebrate diversity. The inclusion of every culture, nation and people is an element in the reign of God, in the pictures we’re presented throughout the New Testament of the Bible, from the start of the book of Matthew to the end of Revelation. Even while much remains uncertain, the Spirit continues to summon us into the messy places of discomfort. We have been called to serve others, to help all know God’s love and peace.

We are living in messy times, but our hearts should be full of passion. A passion for stability and hope. A passion to know and see the value and worth of others around us. A passion to experience a sense of belonging and meaning. Only together, can we step forward into the mess of discomfort and build a community flourishing with the values of inclusion, hospitality, service, compassion, love and mercy. A community that is united and committed to looking past our differences and instead focusing on our commonalities.

If you have this same passion, then I welcome you to the call to community. Welcome to the mess of relationship, differences, variety and perspectives. Come on into this community where being the hands and feet of Jesus is not just another Christian cliche.

To build a community like this I need you. This community is created to welcome all people into the community as we explore the margins and celebrate the goodness. 

Welcome to the mess! Let’s go make a difference. ~OC

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Dear Politicians,

Dear Politicians,

As a proud and concerned American, I stand with fellow Americans in supporting everyone’s right to freely share their opinions without fear of reprisal. I believe the majority of Americans stand for and believe in freedom of speech. Whether that’s a rockstar speaking out or people working a 9-5 job.

I know there will be some who disagree with my thoughts and opinions concerning this matter. Guess what? That is your right. Just as it’s the rockstar or the soccer mom’s right to freely share their thoughts and to support who they want politically. As an American, I pray that this freedom and the many freedoms that so many American heroes died for over the past 249 years will never be taken for granted or taken from us.

Signed,

Concerned Citizen

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A Prayer for America

Today’s a new day! Dear God, my heart grieves for America. Your word tells us that any kingdom divided against itself will be ruined, and a house divided against itself will fall (Luke 11:17). Our nation is so divided, and it pains me to think of our country falling. But I know we cannot stand without you at the center.

We know we must honor you, recognize you as Lord and Savior. We must acknowledge our shortcomings and failures. We must be willing to surrender to you, to follow the plans you have for us. As a whole, our country has fallen away, turned our backs on you.

But, for the sake of the faithful remnant, we call on you to be merciful to us. You know there are those who continue to choose you, who continue to truly seek your face. You know there are faithful ones who truly desire to honor you, to point the world back to you. For the sake of the faithful ones, hear our prayers and save our nation.

This world continues to grow darker. We know the message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing (1 Corinthians 1:18), but we continue to cling to the old rugged cross. We know it is only because of the gift of your Son, Jesus Christ, that we have forgiveness and can enter into your presence.

As the world grows darker, we have an opportunity to let our lights shine brighter, to let your light shine through us to illuminate the darkness. May we reflect your goodness and grace for all the world to see. May we be purified as silver so the world sees an accurate reflection of you.

America has become such a hotbed of dissension. I pray that we, as Christians, would lead the way in putting aside our differences and learning to listen to those with whom we disagree. My dearest brothers and sisters take this to heart: Be quick to listen, slow to speak. And be slow to become angry, for human anger is never a legitimate tool to promote God’s righteous purpose. So this why we abandon everything morally impure and all forms of wicked conduct. Instead, with sensitive spirit we absorb God’s Word, which has been implanted within our nature, for the Word of Life has power to continually deliver us. (James 1:19-21)

Help us to be wise in the way we conduct ourselves, in the way we live our lives. May we remember, it is to one’s glory to overlook an offense. (Proverbs 19:11)

May we set our hearts and minds on things above, not on earthly temporal matters.  Because we are your chosen people, holy and dearly loved, help us clothe ourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. May we bear with each other and forgive one another… as the Lord forgave us. And over all these virtues may we put on love, which binds us all together in perfect unity. (Colossians 3:12-14)

I pray we would focus completely on you so your perfect peace will rule in our hearts, since as members of one body we were called to peace. And help us to be thankful. Let the message of Christ dwell among us richly, as we sing to God with gratitude in our hearts. And whatever we do, whether in word or deed, may we do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him. (Colossians 3:15-17)

In this day and age where people freely say whatever they think, whatever they feel, I pray we as Christ-followers would remember the importance of speaking words of life and hope. Help us remember that if we consider ourselves religious and yet do not keep a tight rein on our tongues, we deceive ourselves, and our religion is worthless. May we show the world true religion that you accept as pure and faultless is this: to look after orphans and widows in their distress and to keep ourselves from being polluted by the world. (James 1:19-20)

Don’t let our faith be dead. Instead, help us show our faith by our actions. May we reach out to those who are hurting, those who are in need. May we be the hands and feet of Christ, meeting the physical needs of those around us. May we share your love by giving to those around us, by proving our faith through our actions. Never let us be all talk with no action.

Father, we long to see your face, to see your hand of grace and mercy over us. See our hearts as we bow before you. See our longing to know you better.

May your remnant, your people, who are called by your name, humble ourselves and pray and seek your face and turn from our wicked ways, so you will hear from heaven, and forgive our sin and heal our land. (2 Chronicles 7:14)

Help us all to put away politics, and join together and pray your blessings over America. Pour out your spirit of wisdom and reconciliation to our political leaders. Give them a heart that longs to seek you, to follow you. Give our political leaders a desire to sit with those who think differently, who have different agendas, and to listen, to find common ground, to find ways to bridge the gap and move forward together.

Dear God, we pray for unity within America. We don’t always understand why things happen as they do, but we do know you are still in control. May we commit to praying for each of our leaders, for our country, each and every day. May we commit to doing our part to bring unity wherever our journey takes us.

Dear God, we are yours. Hear our prayers, our pleas, for healing in our nation. We know it can only come through you, through your mercies which are new every morning. Great is your faithfulness! ~OC

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Not the Gospel

Today’s a new day! When political power becomes more important than the Gospel of Jesus Christ for some pastors, churches, ministries and Christians you can no longer claim to be doing God’s work. No, you’re now doing the work of a politician or political party. ~OC

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The Church

Today’s a new day! As I continue to walk out my faith, sometimes I get a little confused. The following is not a knock on the Church. I personally love the Church. The following is just some of my thoughts and concerns.

Growing up, the Church taught me to love my neighbors, to model the life of Jesus. To be kind and considerate, and to stand up for the bullied and marginalized.

The Church taught me to love people, consider others as more important than myself. “Red and yellow, black and white, they are precious in His sight.” We sang it together, lifting our hands and singing that chorus at the top of our lungs.

The Church taught me to love my enemies, to even do good to those who wish to do me harm.

The Church taught me to never hate anyone and to always find ways to love and encourage everyone I come in contact with.

The Church taught me it’s better to give than to receive, to be last instead of first.

The Church taught me that money doesn’t bring happiness and can sometimes even lead to evil, but taking care of the needs of others brings great joy and life to the soul.

The Church taught me that Jesus looks at what I do for the least-of-these as the true reflection of my faith and character.

The Church taught me to focus on my own sin instead of trying to police it in others.

The Church taught me to be accepting and forgiving.

I paid attention.

I took notes.

I took in every lesson.

And I did what I was taught.

But now, so many churches and Christians call me a liberal.

A snowflake.

You call me “woke” without even knowing the true meaning of the word.

You call me a backslider.

You call me a heretic.

You call me a confused believer.

You tell me my beliefs are probably the reason I am sick. Yes, I have been told that on many occasions.

When the Church passed out the “WWJD” (What Would Jesus Do) bracelets back in the day, I wore mine proudly.

I took the meaning to heart.

I thought the Church did too. Apparently not all churches.

Because sadly in 2025, it appears lines of division have been drawn in the sand. Sadly, so many in the Church have such disdain for nearly all the people I was taught to love. So many in the Church stand against nearly all the things I was taught to believe in. I am trying to see a way forward, but it is getting hard when I survey all the hurt, harm, and darkness that I see coming from so many Churches and Ministries in this season.

So dear Church, what am I supposed to do with all these questions and concerns?

I truly believe what I read in the scriptures. Especially those red letter parts.

And today, I still believe everything I have read in the scriptures. I lean into all of those truths. The words and promises of Jesus keep my faith strong, when it would be so much easier to throw my hands up and walk away from it all. But I will never allow anyone or anything to steal my faith in Jesus.

Which leaves me wondering, what happened to so many of the churches and ministries in America? So many seem to have lost their way.

Thankfully grace is brave. So I will make the choice to be brave and keep leaning into the beautiful truths of God. ~OC

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African American Librarians

The following information was provided by the Portland Public Library. We can never stop learning and being thankful.

Black librarians have played a vital role in preserving generations of Black literature and bringing new resources and opportunities to libraries for decades.

Before emancipation, Black people in the South were punished for reading or teaching others to read. However, during the Harlem Renaissance, a movement emerged to provide access to reading material on Black history.Women were the institution builders.’

Many Black women who were the first to attend library school created their own methods after learning ones that weren’t suited to Black books and ideas.

“In many ways, it is these women who were the institution builders,” Joy Bivins, the director of the Schomburg Center for Research in Black Culture, told The New York Times.The outlet reported that while library services for Black citizens were unavailable in the South and limited in the North, branches that did serve them often had few books geared to their interests and sometimes lacked card catalogs or reference collections.

This began to change in 1924 when Vivian Harsh became the first Black librarian to lead a public library branch in Chicago. In 1932, she led the city’s first branch in Bronzeville, a Black neighborhood, welcomed Black history study groups and established the nation’s second public library collection dedicated to Black life and literature, according to the Times.However, according to the outlet, Harlem captured the transformations of the era more when, starting in 1920, a white librarian named Ernestine Rose hired four young Black librarians at the 135th Street library.

Improving faulty Dewey decimal categories

For Black librarians, cataloging often meant “countercataloguing,” per the Times.

As Black collections moved from private homes to institutions, quirky personal systems no longer sufficed, and the systems used in most libraries proved inadequate as they allowed limited space for non-European subjects.

Dorothy Porter, a librarian at Howard University, and others adjusted the Library of Congress’ standard subject headings, adding ones for topics such as passing, Pan-Africanism and the blues. She also addressed the racism embedded in the Dewey decimal classification system.This system, created in the 1870s, categorized knowledge in ways that marginalized Black experiences, confining them to narrow numerical slots.

Despite warnings that she might face copyright infringement for her modified system, an unauthorized version was adopted at the Schomburg Center and other places.

Today, as the field of library and information science has seen calls to ban more books, change the way the field selects material for public library use, and, in many ways, minimize the importance of librarians in their communities, it is more important than ever to remember those who challenged oppression, racism, and erasure. The percentage of Black librarians in the United States remains in the single digits. However, we will continue to push for representation, access to information, and lifelong learning as a right for all. The African American librarians who fought to preserve that right are among the many reasons we acknowledge and celebrate Women’s History Month. ~OC

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