With Thanksgiving coming soon, it’s good to consider what we’re thankful for. I’m thankful this year that I’ve lived in two distinct periods of history, today with all our amazing inventions and learning, and six decades ago when people had less knowledge but were generally more gentle with each other.
A true story comes to mind. A young farm wife was left alone to cook a meal for a several farm workers harvesting their crop. She made meat, potatoes and vegetables and topped it off with apple pie. The meal went well until dessert. One of the men put a piece of her fresh pie on his plate, ate a bite and then reached for the sugar bowl. Sprinkling a spoonful inside the crust he said, “I always appreciate it when I’m allowed to sweeten the pie just the way I like it.” She had forgotten to put sugar in her pie! But instead of embarrassing her, the man gently complimented her. As they left, the men all thanked her for the meal, especially the pie.
That young wife was Laura Ingalls Wilder, who later authored many award-winning and beloved children’s books. Who of us has not read her enjoyable and memorable works? Yet today a movement is underway to purge library shelves of her works because of her perceived racist attitude toward Native Americans.
Having been taught by an elementary school teacher who knew Mrs. Wilder personally, I have a fairly strong opinion of those who would expunge her works from library shelves. Amazingly, some of Mark Twain’s classics are getting the same treatment!
But I’m also thankful for the Bill of Rights which allows people to speak differing opinions. The First Amendment begins with these words, “Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press…” We are allowed to express differing opinions, but should take care how we do so.
1 Peter 3:15 says, “Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect.” There are all kinds of ways to express differing opinions. How we do so can push us apart or perhaps bring us together. If we can be gentle and respectful no matter what we say, everyone will be better for it.
Freedom of Speech is more important than our feelings.
Rev. Bob Tasler, www.bobtasler.com
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