A NEVER ENDING PARADE OF STUPID

I watched the musical “Hair Spray” the other day. It was written for the 1960’s but it easily applies to the state of our culture today. And it makes me nuts.

As a child growing up on a large farm we regularly had people stay and help put up the tobacco or harvest the tomatoes. Dad had a buddy of his come out often to help out. He was Africa-American. I loved Charlie. He was a kind man with a wonderful laugh and he loved working out in the fields with Dad.

My parents taught me to look through the eyes of love and see everyone in the same image: the image of God. I was to respect them and be thankful for their presence. I remember one particular summer day walking in to the kitchen to find a family member busy washing the dishes while Mom peeled tomatoes in preparation for canning them. As she washed the dishes I noticed she put one plate, one cup, and one fork in a pot on the stove. After I walked over to look down in to the boiling water covering the plate, cup and fork I was confused. I looked at her washing other dishes in the sink other than the dishes in the boiling water. When I questioned why she was doing that she told me it was just to be sure and sanitize them.

That wasn’t enough for me. I needed to know “why” – why could she clean all the other dishes one way but this simple plate, cup and glass had to be sanitized. She blushed and mumbled something about that’s what she needed to do to ensure all the germs were gone. I was so angry. I didn’t have to ask – I knew it was the plate, cup and fork Charlie had used.

What made him so different?

Why was he so much dirtier than the rest of us?

I was nine-years-old at the time and it was my first painful introduction that we are NOT all treated equal or considered equal. Though still a child and enjoying doing child-like things, a part of me grew painfully fast that day. I have never forgotten it.

In the musical Hairspray Penny Pingleton is a darling white teenager who falls for Seeweed J. Stubs an African-American who is not only gorgeous but intelligent. Queen Latifah plays the role of Motomouth Maybelle, also Seeweed’s mom. When she realizes her son and this cute white girl are falling for each other she crosses her arms, shakes her head and tells them. Love is a gift. A lot of people don’t remember that. So you two better brace yourselves for a whole lot of ugly coming at ya’ from a never ending parade of stupid.”

It seems we have an epidemic of stupid going on out there ------ and it is growing.

Here’s what is weighing heavily on my heart today: what can I do to make a difference? How can I participate in a positive avenue of change?

I don’t have the answers. I know this much – it is 2:00 in the morning and I can’t sleep as all this weighs heavily on my mind and my heart. How do I be an instrument of change? How can I join with others to spread a message of love and equality rather than one of distrust and anger?

Until I receive some great vision I will continue to treat my neighbor the way I desire to be treated: with respect and dignity, with love and grace.

Enjoying the Journey,

Debra

Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding.

In all your ways acknowledge Him and He will make your path straight.

Proverbs 3:5-6