Blood Crying From The Ground

"Listen! Your brother's blood cries out to me from the ground." (Genesis 4:10) I know that we as Americans, Canadians, Eurpoeans, Australians, etc. don't want to remember the atrocities committed against First Nations People in the name of Jesus, Greed, & Manifest Destiny. But, it's real. And today on reservations and in cities across our nations, the blood of our ancestors cries out for justice! Do you hear it? Many of the living among our precious Red Ones still recount unspeakable stories of torture and pain that have happened to them with NO apologies from governments, Christians, or ethnic groups!

And for the many ignorant people who say "get over it" or "the past is the past", consider this: Right now in America, the rate of poverty, crime, suicide, drug addiction, alcoholism, domestic violence, gang violence, sexually transmitted diseases, Fetal Alcohol Syndrome (FAS), diabetes, and more is many, many times higher among Native Americans than in any other demographic in the world.

We fly food, clothing, medicine, doctors, faith healers, construction workers, financial planners, and dynamic musicians around the world to aid hurting communities in Africa, Darfur, Haiti, and beyond. That's wonderful! It's a worthy cause! However, how many nations right here on THIS continent (Cherokee, Seminole, Apache, Cree, Creek, etc. etc. etc.) do we fly over everyday to rescue others in remote villages around the world? The elderly on Indian reservations and in suburbs are dying because of the lack of needed medical attention and supplies. Children and teens are committing suicide, joining violent gangs, turning to crime and drug addiction, having misplaced babies and more because of the lack of role models and mentors! Mothers are struggling to keep families together and food on the table because of severely alcoholic and abusive husbands and boyfriends. Grandmothers are unable to adopt the grandchildren that need them and are losing them into State custody because they cannot provide the modern living conditions required by law...right here within a day's drive from ANY of our houses!

After 500 years of missionaries preaching a Gospel of Love and Redemption, less than 6% of Native Americans are Christians. And...why should they be? The same white people who came preaching Jesus raped, murdered, stole, lied, broke hundreds of treaties, and attempted complete genocide (in some tribes and regions, they were successful with the genocide). What Would Jesus Do? Not very many of the things that have been done in His name! Recently when I've even brought it up to Christians that I know, scriptures were quoted at me like something straight out of an M-16. We really love to lean on the Grace of God, Blood of Jesus, and the Cross as a crutch in hopes that no one ever holds us responsible for our bloody history and current arrogant dispositions.

When we hear of an uproar from among Natives and Native supporters about Wal-Marts, burial grounds, Baseball/Football mascots, etc., we quickly dismiss it as "the Indians are whining again". Did you ever consider that it may not just be the Indians. Maybe ALL of Creation is "whining". What if the rocks, trees, eagles, hawks, deer, bears, otters, beavers, etc. etc. etc remember? What if the heart of God Himself is "whining"? Remember what Jesus said: "If you've done it to the least of these...you've done it to me"! We always like to spin that as positive. Do good things for the poor, homeless, children, etc. so that God will notice and bless us! What if the heart of God is broken because of the many horrific things that have been done in His name? What if His heart gets broken EVERY time we dismiss it as ancient history? What if He is angered every time we take on a racist attitude or feeling of superiority?

But, the Native people don't need anyone to "rescue them". They need their honor restored. When the settlers "discovered" this land (by the way, there were over 10 million inhabitants when North America was "discovered"), the people were proud and strong that lived here. Creator's plan is to restore them to the dignity and beauty that He created them with. Help us get our languages back! Help us get our culture back! Support Bills, politicians, and programs that bring Native American People hope and a future!

NO! All Indians don't get a paycheck or get to go to college for free just because they are Indian! AND...Just because there's a casino on the Rez doesn't mean that ANY of that money is going to benefit ANY individual Native American or Indian families! Our dances, regalia, or ceremonies are not evil! Most Indians don't worship the Sun, Moon, or trees! No Indians in my family or beyond cry when trash is on the side of the road! NO ONE SAYS "HOW or UGH!" Indians are not afraid to smile. In fact, the funniest people I know are those red-skinned, high-cheek-boned, long-haired, buckskin wearing, frybread-eating, rendezvous/pow-wow/Stomp/Green Corn Ceremony attending relatives and long-time tribal friends of mine. And our crafts and goods are not manufactured in China! They're all hand-made RIGHT HERE ON GOOD OLD TURTLE ISLAND!

Respect our sacred grounds and sacred history! Listen to the stories and wisdom of those who went before us, passed down from generation to generation. You might find that the Red Road might be the Path that leads you to the God you really want to know. The drum might actually lead you back to the Heart of the Father. The ancient stories might actually make you fall in Love with the God and faith of your Fathers! And you JUST MIGHT start treating people the way Jesus said to treat them!