I hate the word HATE.
In fact, in recent months the climate of anger and dissension in our country has brought this word to the fore more than ever before in my lifetime. Its use has become almost cavalier among certain segments of our culture who seek to throw the worst stigma possible at those with whom they disagree. Disagreeing with someone does not - should not - translate into hate.
I do not seek to be political here. If that is your takeaway and if it is your mission to ride in on the horse called HATE, then please read no further and go to another blog. What I saw today as I watched the funeral service for President George H. W. Bush was five living presidents of our country sitting in close quarters honoring a leader whose life was filled with service to our country.
It's called civility, and civility overcomes hate.
The statement from the eulogies that most captured my attention was this, spoken by Senator Alan Simpson:
"Hatred corrodes the container it's carried in."
My pastor, Rev. Jeremy Rebman, in a recent sermon focusing on the current climate of anger in our culture, said "If I disagree with you, it doesn't mean I hate you."
My position to stand on the truth I find in the Scriptures does not translate into hate. We need to do away with that word as it is so frequently overused in common discourse. It should be saved for only the most terrible of terrible things. The word, and its deep connotations, needs to be rooted out of our thoughts. It simply corrodes us from the inside out.
Today's service at the National Cathedral was a beautiful send-up to love for God, family and country. These values never become obsolete. I'm glad I was able to feel that I was part of this historic moment that is relevant to my lifetime.