I Pledge Allegiance To The...?
With all the political dominance of society’s narrative lately, I’m not entirely sure what people expect from me.
When I was a kid I said the “pledge of allegiance” every morning at school. I didn’t think much of it at first (as kindergartner). But as I got older I remember feeling somewhat of a sense of pride in my country. And I still do to this day. I just as proud to be an American as the next guy I suppose.
But, on occasion, I take the liberty to express my beliefs with my friends and colleagues when asked. And I’m always a little stunned at my friends response to my standard anecdote on “allegiance” or “loyalty” to my country:
“I don’t pledge allegiance to the flag first- I pledge my life to God and my family.”
And their usual response is “Oh ya, I get it- “Faith, Family, country type-a-thing, right, Joe?”
Not exactly, I say.
At the core of my being is an eternal loyalty to God. That goes so far beyond whatever patriotic ties I may have to my country or my state or home town. You see, my faith is what helps me navigate the complexities of life. True, the good ol’ USA has blessed me and my family with opportunity to live quite well. But I have to acknowledge that whatever sense of peace or happiness I have obtained in life has never once come from a “Government(s)” or “region”. Not once. Its found in my faith.
So I don’t live in fear of conservatives or liberals or people that don’t agree with me. I just don't. Why?
It’s always come from this perspective: That everything I see and experience belongs to God as I understand Him. And that is so liberating. The pressure to perform and be loyal to some “state” and the system that it superimposes onto my life to fit the mold of society is cased down. I feel free.
Even as I write this, I understand how simple and even naive that may seem to some. That all of life (as I see it and understand) is so simple. But, hey it works for me.
I guess people just expect everyone to fall in line and be good Americans and watch FOX or CNN, and get caught up in the fuss of being loyal to ones country- like I’m supposed to pick a side and fight. And I suppose current issues are important and deserve their diligent attention from all of us that call this society home. And I do have an opinion on such things, of course.
But I will not led my devotion, my heart and soul to such things entirely. I pledge allegiance to my God, whom, I strive to be more like, gives me purpose and contentment.
Maybe I’m just weird.
But, its really funny to me- that the usual people that don't understand my perspective and try to convince me otherwise, claim to be Christians.
I can’t figure out what people want from me. LOL