The Courage of Her Convictions

She added, “There are gay, lesbian, and transgender people in Democratic, Republican, and independent families, some who fear for their lives … and the vast majority of immigrants are not criminals.” Her entire sermon can be viewed here. As I watched it, I felt a sense of pride as this ‘sister minister’ shared her heartfelt take on the current state of the world. ( I am an ordained Interfaith Minister) I kept thinking, “I love this woman and want to hug her.” Her soft, gentle style was not bombastic like that of another historical figure, a brother minister, Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. but no less powerful and to the point.

I imagine her sitting in her home or office as she penned this iconic sermon. I imagine her questioning if she should address the ‘guest of honor’ directly, knowing what a risk that would be. She had to have known that her words would not be received well. They were not. She had to have known that there would be pushback. There has been, both from him and from his followers. His Truth Social post afterward  was not a surprise. He referred to her as a “so-called Bishop,” a “Radical Left hard line Trump hater” and accusing her of bringing “her church into the World of politics in a very ungracious way.” True to form, he said that her sermon as “nasty in tone,” “boring” and “uninspiring,” going so far as to demand an apology from her and her church. ‘Nasty’ is a word he pulls out of his heavily laden bag of insults to refer to any woman who dares to challenge him. I imagine her heart pounding as she stood at the pulpit and let the words flow like honey. This seasoned speaker admitted when she was interviewed on Rachel Maddow’s show that she is not always confident when she speaks, but knew this needed to be said.

I watched a news cast with the new administration and their family members in full view and was not surprised by their reactions. DT had his head down, not in contemplation and receptivity, nor prayer. He was likely seething inside. JDV had a snarky smirk on his face as if to telegraph, “Who is this mere woman to say those horrible things about our Leader?”

I was heartened to see many positive responses to her speech. I have four friends who are Episcopal clergy who are proud of her. I have numerous minister, rabbi and priest friends who applaud her as well. Many people cheered her courage and her message and challenged the naysayers, quoting Jesus and indicating that He would approve as well. It had the flavor of the Sermon on the Mount. 

Those who hurled insults said she had no right to address the president in that manner, calling her radical, (love and compassion are indeed radical concepts.) and Leftist. Some addressed their perception that her sexual orientation influenced her speech. Turns out that she is married to a man and is the mother of two. I guess her short cropped hair threw them off. Some said that she shouldn’t mix religion and politics. I wonder how many of them are cool with lack of separation of church and state as many legislators claim this is or should be a Christian nation. She has received threats and I pray that angels guard her and her family.

She responded with the same compassion and composure as she did at the service, indicating that she had nothing to apologize for. Even though she was addressing him directly, the message was meant for anyone who listened and had ears to hear. I bless her for the courage it took to speak truth to power. She not only shares the message of love that Jesus embodied, but walks the talk.