![]() |
WBro. Jimmy Harris, Past Master of Faribault Lodge No. 9 |
I give this very brief history to say this: I have found help in my struggles throughout my life. Although I have not had it easy, I have had it easier than many. In Masonry especially I have found many friends as well as Brothers; the closest of which is Worshipful Brother Nick Johnson. He originally invited me to write about another completely unrelated topic, but I found I could not focus on that with the matters of free speech, respect for country, and protest consuming so much of our collective attention.
Today, as I sit in my suite on Waikiki Beach and enjoy the wonders our Great Architect has wrought in this paradise, I recognize I sit here largely as a function of my birth. Although I was not given much, I was afforded many advantages men born into different circumstances do not enjoy. The first of which is the fact that I am an American. I have never had to seek refuge from a warlord or been afraid to speak my mind. But even in America that is also a function of the color of my skin. I remember vividly standing alongside the family during their interview on CNN regarding Philando Castile who was gunned down in Minneapolis. I have never had to fear a uniformed police officer or had to ask why I was stopped. Other advantage I had due largely to my skin color includes a good education. With that education, I completed an apprenticeship and became a Journeyman Lineman. I enjoy the benefits of being in the top 5% of income earners with very little encumbrance upon my advancement. During my career, I have worked in many distressed areas throughout this country. I have befriended people in the Southside of Chicago, Kansas City Kansas, South Central LA, Detroit, North Minneapolis, and many other cities. I have seen firsthand there is no such thing today as liberty and justice for all.
Receiving most of my education in a small 3A school in rural Kansas, I was able to participate in several sports. Taking a knee was never a sign of disrespect. It was quite the opposite. We took a knee to get instruction from our coaches. We also took a knee to give solemn respect to any injured player, friend or adversary.
I say all of that to say this: as men and Masons we owe it to our nation to be honest and forthright in our deliberations. Let us not confuse the separate issues of protest with patriotism. Let us not forget why these men kneel in respect. Let us always be mindful of that time we ourselves stood blind and penniless at the Altar of Masonry.
I was moved by seeing the players, coaches, and owners standing together in a chain of unity. Would that Masons also stood united in support of every American regardless of their circumstance remembering we regard the inward characteristics that elevate us! Let us stand together, even with those who kneel to do it.
Have an opinion? Leave a comment below.
5 comments:
I am grateful for the deep friendship that I share with WB Harris. I share many similar early life experiences and also know that it my good luck to have been born a white, American male without any of those I most likely would be living in poverty. I also yearn for a sense of fraternal solidarity regarding the gross inequities in our country and the paucity of determination to address this.
W. Brother Harris;
Thank you for providing a perspective that those of us who participated in sports have forgotten with regards to the knee.
Masonry has benefitted many a man - but it truly is a platform for making a good man better - your story demonstrates that. The view of this Country and the many forms of protest or signs of respect are generally lost in the "quickness to criticize rather than understand". Listening to respond rather than listening to Understand is the primary ingredient in the meaning of "Assume."
I appreciate your taking the time to provide the reality of where live.
Thank you.
R.W. Lincoln Wilson
WB,
I have tremendous love and respect for both you and the lovely Doris Kate. You two are precious gifts to me and Sarahle.
RWbrother Wilson,
Thank you for the kind words. Masonry has given me many tools to apply to my still very rough ashlar. I travel extensively for work and it is a great comfort to find Brothers wherever I go.
Post a Comment