An armed Coast Guard patrols the waters around Lady Liberty, watching diligently to prevent those who might do her (and her admirers) harm. Yet, Lady Liberty herself stands as a beacon of inclusion, declaring that even “wretched refuse” are welcome.
How are we to balance our impulse to defend against those we don’t trust with our desire to be as broadly inclusive and welcoming as possible?
While we all want, and strive, for peace. The truth is, we live in a world where others do not. A world were they want to hurt us and destroy our country.
We can, and should pray for peace and relate with others in as peaceful a way as we can. But we must also be practical and defend ourselves and our country. Therefore we should work for peace and respect those in the armed forces who protect us and give us a country were we can decry war.
Having grown up in a Coast Guard family, I don’t like them being used as an object lesson for not “broadly inclusive and welcoming as possible.” Besides, it could be a “hazard to navigation” problem; surely as apt a metaphor for pastoral ministry as any?
Do see: http://news.yahoo.com/u-coast-guard-no-timetable-reopen-ny-harbors-173917502.html
“Speak softly and carry a big stick”, works for me.