Patti Burris

Isaiah 43:18
Forget the former things;  do not dwell on the past.

I was part of a Facebook discussion yesterday on the “Rebel flag” and what it represents. Any discussion that includes what has become to be known as the Confederate flag (the “Rebel flag” was not the real Confederate flag. It was only the battle flag of Northern Virginia. There were different variations of the real Confederate flag.) is going to bring with it passionate feelings about hate and racism. My friend is passionate about not supporting a flag that represents hate and racism. My ancestors from my grandmother back lived in Louisiana. My ancestors were cotton plantation owners and yes, slave owners. What is my view on the Rebel flag? It is a symbol of a part of United States history. I will never condone racism, hate, or oppression of any kind. I am passionate about speaking out against injustice. I will not discredit those who view the rebel flag as a symbol of hate because of what their ancestors lived through. I will challenge all of us though to see it for what it is, an inanimate object that has no power other than the power we give it. Recently there has been a trend in tearing down the statues that represent parts of our history as Americans. People have become upset by what these statues represent. We are giving power to non-living objects instead of examining our own hearts to see what part WE are playing in bringing the hate and racism from the past into the present and future. These statues and other symbols that we see as representing negative aspects of our history need to be used to fuel us to work for peace instead of the violence that is erupting instead.

This country was built on the destruction and slaughter of thousands of innocent men, women and children. The Native Americans. We, as Americans, have a history of violence and intolerance. At the same time, I have seen great examples of compassion and love. WE choose what attitudes we will take into the future. If we choose hate and racism then we, at least need to be mature enough to take responsibility for those actions and not blame our actions on a statue or piece of fabric that has no power to make us do anything. My ancestors were slave owners, but that does not define who I am. I am passionate about working to bring justice where injustice lives. I am not my ancestors. I choose not to bring their attitudes into my present and future.

My challenge to you: Forget the past. The lives of our ancestors are gone. They are dead and so are the circumstances they lived through. Learn from what they lived through to make things better for those of us living now. Learn from the past to make things better for our children. Choose to make the future a better one for all of us. Let go of the past and choose to live in peace.