Sister, you know what’s right. Just do right. Maya Angelou
To be “raised right” at least in the South used to mean that you knew not to wear white before Memorial Day. To be raised right meant that you wrote thank you notes and gave your seat to your elders whether that seat was on a bus or somebody’s livingroom.
I once knew a lifelong church member who conflated good manners with righteousness. She took it upon herself to teach etiquette to her Sunday School class of elementary school students. Three of her students had found their way into Sunday School without their parents, so she assumed that those particular children weren’t being raised right.
She believed that social graces were more important than God’s grace.
Unfortunately the students in her class learned some unfortunate teachings. They learned that some church people value actions that make you look good over actions that make your soul good, that make the world good – or at least better. Eventually they all left our church and if they ever connect with a church again it would be a miracle. They were children who needed a community that loved them unconditionally, a community that taught them that God loves them unconditionally.
This famous video with Maya Angelou is worth the three minutes and 26 seconds you’ll spend watching it.
Right might not be expedient, it may not be profitable but it will satisfy your soul.
Doing what’s right is an essential service during a pandemic, during a hurricane, during a political campaign. It’s essential if we are going to be the people we were created to be.
“Raise up children in the right way and when they are old, they will not stray.” Proverbs 22:6
It’s not about etiquette. Although I’m a fan of good manners, it’s about doing the right thing. Today is a good day to do the right thing.
Image is Sister Sookie’s Funeral by Phoebe Beasley
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