Rev. Chism's Weekly Message

Why have some given up hope and respond with violence? Why have some demonized people they disagree with? Why have some accepted hateful rhetoric as justified? Why have some lost all objectivity? Why do a lot of churches choose not to say anything about anything? Why can't we hear people when they protest in our streets? Why do some not realize that spirituality and social justice work together? Why do some feel judged when people dislike our President's rhetoric? Why do some get mad when someone supports the President? Why do some get mad when someone doesn't support the President? Why do some feel like they are never heard? Why do some Christian denominations think they are more right than another denomination? Why do some believe in conspiracies? Why do some dislike conservatives for being conservative? Why do some dislike liberals for being liberal? Why do some dislike progressives for being progressive? Why can't some admit white privilege exist? Why do we avoid saying that many whites have never had privilege? Why are black people as a whole judged by one black person messing up? Why do people that live and cities or rural areas have to be enemies? Why do people have to be passive aggressive when they are hurt? Why do some not listen to the real reason why people are passive aggressive? Why can't we respect we have ideas and experiences? Why do people that do not like alcohol have to explain why? Why do some not respect the separation of church and state? Why do people read the Holy Bible differently? Why can't we separate a peaceful protest from the anarchists that show up? Why do some justify Confederate symbols of hate as "heritage?" Why do some support masks and others think the government is trying to take their freedom? Why do some discount a person because they disagree over one thing? Why do some believe poor people are all lazy and they should not be helped? Why do some judge people with mental health issues? Why do some people project their beliefs onto their pastor or other pastors? Why do pastors that say the wrong stuff think people should believe them? Why do come criticize people but do the same thing?

Why do some people not get my bad jokes? Why does my wife call Hard Rock "anger music?" Why do some buy Ford's over Chevy's or vice versa? Why did I lose my hair? Why can't I eat fast food every day? Why do I put food in my freezer and have to throw it away after two years? Why, when someone wears a Colgate sweatshirt, do I think of toothpaste?

Why can't we listen to each other?

Why can't we love our neighbors as ourselves?

Why?

Rev. Baxter