“CAN WE FIX THIS NATION’S BROKEN HEART?”

Flo S. Jenkins

You may certainly be asking yourself this question: “Can we fix this nation’s broken heart?” That question is certainly likely not only on your mind, but probably on the minds of multi-millions. It certainly was on the mind of socially conscious and highly respected singer/songwriter, Stevie Wonder—who has been mindful of life situations in America for many, many years. In fact, he was obviously so concerned about this nation’s current situation that he wrote a song entitled “Can We Fix This Nation’s Broken Heart?” I’m sure Mr. Wonder believes there are answers to his provocative question. I believe the same.

First, though, whenever there is a problem, we must recognize and acknowledge that, indeed… there is a problem. In other words, IS THERE A PROBLEM? If so, we must decide if such a “problem” works to our advantage or disadvantage. If it’s to our advantage—we might not consider it a problem after all. The bottom line here is that more people in this so-called “land of the free” country must not believe there is a problem—or perhaps they are benefitting from what others are personally suffering from and believe to be problematic.

Defining the terms is essential for addressing and/or understanding any situation, and currently millions seem to have a different definition of the word “problem” – as it relates to them personally.

Let’s get to the point: Some people could care less about those who are hurting and suffering… as long as they do not believe it is affecting them. However, it is ignorant, delusional, and spiritually deceptive to believe another person’s suffering has no eventual effect on you. We are all one humanity, and when we are ignorant of that, we end up with a nation—and world—in chaos, as we now see it. And what we see now is simply the covers being pulled back from the long-time issues.

Racism and Greed hold top positions of evil in America. (They ALWAYS have.) And despite what some falsely believe, these are the two character traits, often hidden, that have other nations ignorantly marveling and admiring and wanting to “be like” us. Due to the evolvement of the internet, however, many have now seen the demons beneath the shiny American covers—and cover-ups. The George Floyd catastrophe is just one recent, highly publicized, example of racial hypocrisy that opened the world’s eyes as to who, and what “the land of the free” really means.

So, with the current power leaders who have unleashed, essentially set free, centuries of old hate and hurt, the question looms loud: Can we fix this nation’s broken heart? Broken-hearted elders whose healthcare and living arrangements and finances are in shambles seem of no concern to the powers-that-be. Workers who do good things for the world—not just America—are being pushed out of their once secure steady careers. Black progress is being X-ed out. Educational strides are being cancelled, and our history is being shredded—essentially on the chopping block.

Why?

That is the loud question that most people of color ask but certainly know the answer to. America wants to blot out its evils such as slavery, its Jim Crow activity, its lynchings, and discriminations of every kind that were legally perpetrated upon its Black population. It’s no different than an abusive husband who beats his wife weekly—yet, wants to hide his horrible behavior from his so-called pure Christ-life from his congregation.

And speaking of Christ… where are His true followers? The ones who are still so sadly silent during this world’s heartlessness, greed, and dis-order. Where are you—you who preach, speak, and sing loudly about your love of God and all things righteous? You have so many answers about life’s troubles that you present to your congregations. However, you are so divided in areas that mean the most. Areas that demonstrate and inspire LOVE. We need your fearless, bold, Christ-inspired answers/actions NOW.

Can we fix this nation’s broken heart? (Time will tell.)