Here is why I do what I do on the Fourth of July. A lot of us say "God
Bless America," but the Fourth of July Peachtree Road Race actually
gives us a chance to do that - to bless America.
On this day,
more than 55,000 people run and jog and traipse and walk by our church.
I see all sorts and conditions of humanity. I see all shapes and sizes,
all ilks and opinions. In fact, I see a true and beautiful
representation of America itself. And I bless all these sorts and
conditions of humanity. That way, I believe, God is blessing America.
God bless America!
Some have asked exactly what values I am
blessing. Well, I am blessing perseverance and endurance, and I am
blessing training and exercise and good health. I am also blessing fun
and frolic. I am blessing the life and liberty that come to us through
the celebration of Independence Day.
Here is some history. Ever
since the great Peachtree Road Race occurred on a Sunday, in 1999, the
Cathedral of St. Philip has been gathering a community at 6:30 am.
While others were cursing the interruption and disruption of Sunday
services, we decided to welcome the runners and bless them. The result
was such a blessing, not only to runners but also to us, that we have
done it every Fourth of July since then.
By now, it looks to me
like thousands of runners expect that blessing. They swerve over to the
right to soak up the water and the good words. They are all shapes and
sizes, and they are all sorts and conditions of humanity. It is
absolutely amazing what our Cathedral community sees go by on that
morning.
Whatever it is, we bless it. Superman and Batman dart
by. Brides and grooms romp on. Slow walkers, fleet athletes, entirely
obese folks, young people as skinny as a rail. One group marched
mischievously with a sign declaring, "Beer = Good, Water = Bad." Well,
I certainly disagreed with half of that sentiment, but I blessed them
saying, "This water is good! This water is holy!" They laughed.
Folks
ask if they can receive the blessing if they are Jewish or Muslim. Of
course, we say! Some people say that they have not had a blessing for
years. Some cross themselves. Some kneel and kiss my hand. Mayor
Shirley Franklin comes by. Congressman John Lewis has stopped for a
blessing. One man said he had received a blessing last year, and his
wife had had twins. Another person said he had been healed, and this
past year was the best of his life. One man said the blessing had been
part of his performing CPR on a fallen runner several years ago (I
actually remember that one).
One year, a woman showed up, rather
sheepishly, and she removed her hat. She confessed, "I just called
someone a $%&*!$." I told her she was forgiven. Yes, her blessing
had evoked actual repentance on her part. Such is the power of God.
Blessing is not just a "feel good" event. Holy blessing can actually
produce repentance, when repentance is necessary.
I believe that
God wants to bless us, and that God created us for blessing. I know
that sometimes the way we bless, and what we bless, upsets folks. But I
would always rather err on the side of blessing than on the side of
condemnation. As for me and mine, we will speak good words to people;
we will bless.
Our world needs God's blessing. And God has
empowered each of us to deliver it. Consider, this summer, whom you
need to bless. Consider all the folks who are running the race with
you. They are right beside you. Maybe you don't agree with everything
they say or do. Maybe they don't agree with you. But God has placed us
on this grand road of life together. Don't miss the blessing!
Sam Candler
2 July 2008
Sam Candler is Dean of the Cathedral of St. Philip in Atlanta, Georgia. Contact him at scandler@stphilipscathedral.org.
