Hurtful words make us think, too

[Harry Monroe]

Hurtful words make us think, too

Jannie B. Johnson

What happens to the feelings of those whose God-given liberty was denied?

When I heard our outrage for the remarks the Rev. Jeremiah Wright made about America, the land of the free, I thought of some questions from "What happens to a Dream Deferred?" - Langston Hughes' poem.

Do they ... "dry up like a raisin in the sun or fester like a sore - and then run; do they stink like rotten meat; Or, crust and sugar over - like a syrupy sweet? Maybe the dream/feelings just sag like a heavy load. Or, do they explode?"

Some of us felt uncomfortable with what Pastor Wright said, the way he spoke being a pastor and his association with Sen. Barack Obama.

If Pastor Wright's words can impact our feelings and give rise to concern, what happens to the feelings and concerns of those Americans who actually experienced injustices for generations? What happens to those feelings of inferiority and impotence?

Yes, we want God to bless America. But, to bless or to curse America is God's choice not our command. Do we feel we are God's choice to be blessed because we have made Him our choice?

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