I recently read an article that attempted to make sense from the nonsense surrounding the events in Charlottesville. As one writer penned to the POTUS’ response to Saturday, “…it’s not simply a political crisis. It’s a moral one too.”

I submit, it’s a moral crisis first, second and only.

There’s an adage that I’ve come to embrace and frequently share. “You can’t lead where you don’t go.” The central truth of the maxim is that one is not capable of doing or being something they are not or willing to become.

Evil acts followed by bizarre statements followed by public incredulity followed by explanatory spin followed by a doubling-down on bizarre statements followed by even greater incredulity followed by group angst, despair, anger and frustration.

You can’t lead where you don’t go.

It’s one thing to be surprised by the behavior to a set of circumstances, at least initially. Continued surprise is not on the perpetrator but with those having expectations that are incapable of being fulfilled.

You can’t lead where you don’t go.

Observe. Consider. Respond.

Hand wringing is for the laundry and wishing is for the stars. At the root is a moral deficit, not political correctness, a poor choice of words, or alternative facts or points of view. An attempt to ameliorate other things will prove (at best) temporary and (worse) ultimately exacerbate what is a chronic condition.

As a Charlottesville Rabbi shared about his fear and that of and his congregation as they hunkered-down as armed men stood as an intimidating century outside of his synagogue, “I believe it will get worse before it gets better.” I hope he’s right, that it will get better.

The flip side of the same coin having crisis is opportunity. The choice is ours, individually and collectively.

But he’s already made it plain how to live, what to do, what God is looking for in men and women. It’s quite simple: Do what is fair and just to your neighbor, be compassionate and loyal in your love, And don’t take yourself too seriously—take God seriously.  – Micah 6:8

Categories: Acts17seventeen

Pastor Mark

A p-k (preacher’s kid), Mark is the eighth of nine children born to Reuben and Henrietta Meeks, prolific planters of nearly 30 churches throughout the Central Valley of California. After four decades of teaching, discipling, and ministering, including to the hospitalized and imprisoned, Mark responded to God’s call to pastoral ministry. In addition to degrees in civil engineering and public administration, Mark received his Masters in Theology from Fuller Seminary.