To whom do I owe allegiance?  In whom do I put my trust?  To whom do I give credence?  Important words to contemplate for each of us in this world of conflict and hypocrisy.  Because, when we are individually or collectively silenced or canceled for our beliefs or opinions, for the sake of those who consider themselves to be “in the know” about any and all subjects, we, as a society, have ceased to listen and to understand.  We have lost our empathy, compassion and love, the ability to agree to disagree, but most of all we’ve lost true tolerance, loyalty and respect… allegiance.

I’ve said it many times before… we are each created differently.  Our kids often heard that phrase from us as we rejected comparisons and envy around us.  We are each unique, to be respected and loved for who we are… even in our infirmities.  Just as every snowflake, every leaf, and every creature in the world of nature is different yet similar, even imperfect, so are we.  Not just physically and outwardly, but also emotionally in our thinking and reacting.  We each have different life experiences that contribute to making us who we are today, and why we think the way we do. 

Have we not read or heard of the Golden Rule, “Do unto others as you would have them do unto you”? (Matthew 7:12, Luke 6:31)  In other words, haven’t we been told to put ourselves in someone else’s “shoes” to understand their life and perspective?  In so doing, we understand just a little better what their life is like, enabling us to show empathy, compassion, true tolerance, and loving kindness. And that exemplifies Jesus’ words in Mark 12:29-31: “the most important is this: …Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength.  The second is this:  Love your neighbor as yourself.”

With trust placed in our God, He keeps us from stumbling.  He gives us the ability to love and respect those with whom we disagree.  But when we take our eyes off Him and His wisdom and we stumble, He is right there to help pick us up to start over again.  He welcomes us back, just like the little lost lamb He sought and brought back from danger.  For all that our great God does for each of us, I, we, owe Him our thanks, our praise, and our adoration… our allegiance. 

To Whom Allegiance…

Of Christ and His love

Linda A. Roorda 

Suppose my voice were threatened to silence

By those opposing my faith in Almighty.

To whom allegiance, the question I’d face

Would I still speak or in fear acquiesce?

Some think it’s fair to believe at will

Whatever goes, whatever seems right,

To each his own, a designer faith

That which best fits their values perceived.

I’d hope my faith through testing and trial

Would stand ever firm in the Lord of my soul.

For the great I Am with mercy and grace

Will gently guide when His face I seek.

His wisdom my source for dealing with life,

Yet often my search still draws me away.

Why do I think my knowledge is best,

And why do I fight His hands on the reins?

Time and again He’s proven to me

He truly knows best, His way unequaled.

He pulls me up short to rein in my will

With reassurance as He directs my steps.

My voice will then share the Truth it has known

A comforting Peace in the storms of life

A gentle holding in the palm of His hand

A vision of Light ever guiding my path.

~~