Politics and Protests (with a little sermon snippet thrown in)

My wife and I had a crazy weekend in which we got stranded outside of Chicago Saturday night as we tried to return home from a wedding. The alternator went out on our car and ultimately forced us to spend the night in the western suburbs of the Windy City.

Everything worked out well and we're back home and I find myself back in the office. While I did miss church, I didn't miss the larger national political news that blew up as our President resorted to obscene name calling as he criticized NFL players who have been peacefully protesting. 

As I digested all the debate and discussion swirling around this issue, I made my views public with a Facebook post after we'd arrived home yesterday. The post garnered a lot of attention and comments from both sides. Since it is clearly very relevant - and since I had no strong direction for our weekly "Music Monday" segment - I thought I'd share it hear as well. I have added italics, which I could not do in FB, to emphasize certain words and phrases:

Those NFL players who are protesting are not protesting the flag​ or the anthem or the military.
They are protesting during those pregame events because the real rights and freedoms that those symbols represent are being violated or ignored in too many cases. The Montgomery Bus Boycotts weren't about the actual vehicles themselves, but the policies the system followed with the buses.
The above is undeniable fact regarding our current situation and to interpret it otherwise is choosing to get upset at the wrong things. These protests have been occurring for over a year and the above message has been available from the beginning if one listened.

For those who wish they'd keep sports free of politics, let's remember it's the NFL that has inserted anthem and flag into the proceedings. The anthem is intended to be honoring and celebratory but it is still inherently political. So during the one political part of the event, the players have chosen to exercise their rights and in turn make a political statement of their own.

For those who feel like the protests are still disrespectful, remember we're talking about peaceful protests of symbols. We are way more disrespectful to the flag every time we wear our flag themed raincoat or put our drink in a Stars and Stripes beer koozi. US Flag Code: Chapter 10.176. "The flag should never be used as wearing apparel, bedding, or drapery." (Thanks David Grossnickle)

Due to circumstances beyond my control, I was unable to preach this morning, so I apologize for sermonizing here, it's a habit.

 I personally do not feel the conviction to kneel at the anthem when I go to sporting events. I don't feel I can truly identify with the injustices they are decrying. I understand them intellectually, but not personally. 

I have made the decision not to put my hand over my heart as a reminder to myself that I am a citizen of heaven, first and foremost. My primary loyalty belongs to Jesus (Philippians 3:17-21). I am grateful for being an American but I am not blind to the imperfections and systemic injustices that characterize our country either.