When my parents passed away, many people just didn't know what to say. What could they do that could possibly offer comfort? Friends, family, and strangers offered their thoughts and prayers. I have always been honored when friends or strangers promise to pray for me. Humbled, but honored. When someone tells me they've been thinking of me, I appreciate that gesture too. One human vowing to remember another is a beautiful thing.
At the same time I cringe when I hear people sigh and declare "there's nothing left to do but pray". People of faith believe God hears our prayers. We don't ascribe to the notion that prayer is a last resort. We believe that prayer is powerful. But apparently many in the media disagree.
Almost immediately after the terrorist attacks in San Bernardino, people of faith from all walks of life began to offer condolences, prayers, and thoughts on behalf of the victims and their families. In difficult times believers offer prayers and thoughts as a sign of solidarity and support. Immediately thereafter, the cover of the New York Daily News boldly and condescendingly snarked, "God's Not Fixing This". Then the media and Twitter blew up, tearing into those who dared to offer "prayers or thoughts".
The political debates related to the events of last week are complicated, and I'll not attempt to address those complications in this post. But I've been wondering: since when did prayer become so offensive?
I understand some people don't pray. That's their right. I also understand some people take issue with public prayer platitudes. Public prayers can appear shallow, forced, and politically or socially expedient. And it's true that intercession doesn't have to be public. As a Christian, I know that scripture extols the benefits and beauty of private prayer. But isn't it also unbecoming to question people's spiritual motives? The media implies that public figures who express their faith are insincere. Those types of public accusations especially in times of crisis are unproductive and unfair.
The media forgets that there are people of faith across the political spectrum. The faithful on the left, right, and center should not allow the media to diminish one of the most important tenets of faith. Their deliberate inclination to mock or cheapen prayer is unfortunate especially in the midst of tragedy, and national mourning.
Consider the response to terrorism in Paris. Paris held vigils, the public stood together, the world supported them, and the media stood with them. Here we have yet to see the scale of vigil and support of prayer experienced in Paris. People may be standing together, but I fear only by a thread that is threatened by partisan politics. The media bears much responsibility for that.
Let us not be naïve. Radicals and extremists don't want us talking to each other, and they certainly don't want us to stand united in prayer. They want America to be splintered, fearful, and distrusting. Lately many in the media play right into their plan.
As for me, I'm praying for a miracle. I'm praying that America will wake up and stand united against the evil facing us. As a matter of fact, I believe we've already been witness to miracles since last week.
First, God and prayer made the headlines. The media pounced on those "empty platitudes" and the "ineffectiveness of prayer". Social media and news outlets exploded. As a result, there's no denying that prayer and God received some heavy coverage. In fact for a few days the number of tweets about God and prayer rivaled that of presidential candidate Donald Trump. That's a lot of attention. When was the last time God was featured on the covers of national publications, (or prayer for that matter)?
Second, as a result of the media's assault on prayer, Americans are talking about faith. We're being forced by the circumstances in our country once again to confront difficult issues. Ironically, the conversation was initiated by the media. It's my prayer that people of faith will welcome these discussions and not be fearful of each other, and find some common ground.
The world is paying attention. They're listening to our conversation. Around the globe they're watching and awaiting our reaction. People around the world are keenly aware of the special and unique freedoms Americans enjoy, like our right to openly debate or discuss, and yes even our right to offend. We've been given a global opportunity to prove why we value these freedoms. Freedoms that so many do not understand. This is our chance to prove how we handle the rights and responsibilities of liberty and freedom during trials and adversity.
Today the news reported that former President Carter who had been diagnosed with a very serious form of brain cancer shared a miraculous announcement of his own. The former president had an MRI last week that revealed no remaining signs of cancer. Carter and his family made the announcement in their church, and attributed their miracle to answered prayer. I believe they prayed expecting a miracle, and they got one.
What are you expecting? Who are you putting your faith in? Other people? Government bureaucracy? The media? God forbid. In recent years I've come to realize that the media no longer wants our undivided attention. Our divided attention proves much more lucrative.
Let us pray.
#letuspray