Thursday, November 10, 2016

POTUS, People, and the Flag


 
So yesterday I heard of something happening at my children’s school that led me to spend some time with my children in what I call a “teachable moment”.  Let me explain myself.

My children got off the bus telling about a bunch of kids (elementary age) that where teaming up on another kid and making fun of him simply because the boy had said that His parents had voted for Trump.  From that point these other kids began to tell the boy his parents were stupid, racist, crazy, and so on..  They brought this elementary boy to tears.  Several things troubled me about this; the greatest thing that troubled me was that this is something that was modeled in their lives by someone else.  Think about that.  Disrespect is taught.  Add this situation to what they see on TV/news with the protests, led me to a point after dinner last night that I sat down and talked to my girls about several things:

1.       Respect the office of President (or any elected official / those in authority).

This can be a tough one, but just the office itself deserves the respect of the American people.  I believe this and I teach my children this, even if someone holds the office that you very much disagree with.  I offered my children this example, I asked them if at any time in the last 8 years did they ever hear me say anything negative about President Obama, they responded no.  Here was my point:  I don’t agree with Him and never have with much of his policy.  I think as a person he is good, I think he is an affluent speaker and intelligent man; however, he and I disagree on a lot of things in life, religion, and policy.  Never once have I ever said anything negative, especially in front of my children, reason being you respect the President and the office he holds.  My parents instilled this in me by example and I instill it into mine. 

The Bible also teaches us in Romans 13 “Everyone must submit himself to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except that which God has established. The authorities that exist have been established by God. 2 Consequently, he who rebels against the authority is rebelling against what God has instituted, and those who do so will bring judgment on themselves.(1-2)”. 

It is my duty as an American citizen as well as a Believer in Jesus Christ to grant the governing officials the respect they deserve for the office they have been granted.  It churns my stomach to see how people have such non-respect for the president (current, former, and future), and it is being modeled and handed down to their children.  Shame on us and the media for allowing this to happen.  You don’t have to agree with the President or Elected official in order to give them respect.
The statement is made that respect has to be earned, an elected official earned that by the vote of the American people, even if I strongly disagree with them and/or their character.

Yes, I had to answer a lot of questions from my children about Donald Trump, things that He said, things that people said, and actions / accusations that where made.  They asked me about war, the wall, and how the country is divided.  I explained to them that we are always one decision away from War, that there are always other countries and entities wanting to wage war with our country mostly because we are by far the most powerful country in the world.  I then explained to them about the wall and illegal immigration.  How their grandmother was an immigrant and became a citizen the right way.  I further explained about the country's division and how neither Trump nor Clinton got half of America to vote for them, we are strongly divided as a country and that was long before Trump or Clinton either one.
 

2.       Respect your fellow man.

We are diverse people living in a diverse world.  We live in by far the greatest country in this world.  People are different, quirky, and (well) diverse.  No matter whom they are or where they come from a person deserves respect for their beliefs or lack thereof.  Our country was based on freedom.  Freedom of speech, freedom of religion, freedom from slavery, and freedom (and right) to bear arms is what makes our country best.  Respect people’s rights to be free.  I don’t have to understand what people believe, their lifestyle, or why they believe it, if they respect me for what I believe, I will return the respect.

17 Do not repay anyone evil for evil. Be careful to do what is right in the eyes of everybody. 18 If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone. (Romans 12:17-18)

 

Do what is right, be respectful (if it is possible), do everything you can to live at peace with everyone.

 

3.       Respect the United States Flag and what it represents.

I have to be totally honest, this really bothers me.  I get that people are exercising their right to freedom of protest by standing on the flag, burning the flag, and whatever else they are doing.  However, the flag is much more than just a flag, it is what it represents.  The sacrifice made by many, the freedom it represents, and the hope that it brings, and yet it is so disrespectful to stand, burn, or throw it down.  I was raised better than that, and my children will be raised and taught better than that.  There are other ways to go about protesting other than totally disrespecting the flag and the men and women who died protecting the great country that it represents. 

If somewhere in your mind you can register that it is ok to burn the flag, vandalize, or burn down small businesses in protest then you are part of the problem and not part of the solution.

I have no control over the way people are or act outside of my home, but I will continue to teach my children the above and hope that they can have an influence on those around them.

Chris L. Reese
Proud American Citizen
Follower of the Most High God and Son Jesus Christ