The flaming hot topic of the week! Despicable, disrespectful, disgusting, degrading. Perhaps to some whom haven’t been inside a church in decades, but to those of us who have, kneeling is the antithesis of defiance. In Luke 22:39-41, Jesus prayed on the Mount of Olives: Then, he withdrew from them about a stone’s throw, knelt down, and prayed….
Theologian Fr. Seraphim noted kneeling has been one of the “Most potent weapons against pride” for over two thousand years. He concluded: “To this day, find a humble person, and you will find a person who kneels, regularly and consistently.”
Now folks will continue to disparage every person who fails to stand when the National Anthem is played. But if the non-standing were dishonoring the American flag and the US military, wouldn’t they have chosen an ostentatious demonstration of disrespect rather than kneeling?
Believe I’m no fan of professional sports. I object to the outrageously high ticket prices, merchandise, and salaries. I resent that TV weekend programming revolves around games. Yet, hundreds of thousands of Americans avidly support their teams. So, I, too, am a protester, Mr. President, but it has nothing to do with Oh, say can you see. And with all due respect, sir, perhaps you should try kneeling.
A few weeks ago, I shared the story of Bob, my current cabana boy. Bob and his burly dog, Max moved into my guest house over a year ago. For a year, Max only ventured outside when my dogs were in the house. If they happened to see him, they’d chase him back through his doggy door. They’d gnash their teeth if they spied him through the sliding glass door. I would go and visit Max; I felt sorry for him, for his dad was gone much of the time. He spent endless hours alone–unhealthy for a pack animal. Dogs want to belong.
The mantra of my maternal grandmother, probably my clone. She lived to be 99.5 years, had a great sense of humor, and was overtly willing to try most everything–even a second marriage at 80 years old.
While in my early 20’s, I took a graduate school course in educational philosophy and discovered I was an existentialist–make every decision as if it is your last decision. I embraced that idea, and thus, I never looked back with “would have, could have, or should have.” Further, I don’t suffer from “buyer’s remorse.” Once I make a reasoned decision, I don’t dwell on it. It’s the proverbial water over the dam, regardless of the outcome.
Dr. Suze Espouses 