Is the Soul of America Split Wide Open

By Rev. Christopher W. Riley
FWIS Contributing Writer

I remember having a pair of black dress shoes that had seen better days. However, I was trying to hold on until there was money in the budget to procure a new pair. My wife saw me put on the shoes one day and said, “Honey, you cannot wear those shoes, the sole is split wide open.” I fondly remember this story as I reflect on the state of America.

Merriam-Webster defines soul as, the moral and emotional nature of human beings; the quality that arouses emotion and sentiment; spiritual or moral force : fervor. In the context of a shoe, the undersurface of a foot; the part of an item of footwear on which the sole rests and upon which the wearer treads.

In the words of my late Grandmother, the soul of America has gone to Hell in a handbasket. We are currently facing a government shutdown that would have catastrophic effects for many of our citizens. We are living in a day and age where government-funded agencies, organizations and institutions are prohibited from celebrating diversity, advocating for equity and promoting inclusion which is commonly referred to as DEI. As a country we have made so many strides in this area. Hence, this mandate to eliminate all DEI-related programs and initiatives feels like a huge backwards step. Yes, the soul of America is split wide-open as we are currently facing the elimination of the Department of Education. This executive order has yet to be approved by Congress.

A soul or sole split wide open needs to be repaired or replaced. As a person of faith, I believe our refuge is in God. I am convinced without a shadow of doubt that God has a plan. In the midst of this “wilderness experience” there have been some wins. For example, according to a recent Bloomberg Law article, two judges ordered federal agencies to rehire fired workers. Three agencies have placed fired workers on paid leave. Hence, the Trump administration has pledged to return 25,000 workers to their jobs rather than keep them on paid leave.

My Brothers and Sisters, this is one of many wins. The time is now to put faith into action. We must pray and pray without ceasing. James 5:16 tells us that the effectual fervent prayers of the righteous availeth much. In addition to praying without ceasing, we must do as we are told in II Timothy 2:15 "Study to show thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.” As we study to meet God’s approval, the study of God’s word is essential in combating spiritual warfare. For the word of God is alive and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart. (Hebrews 4:12) It is evident that we are living in perilous times. However, we can make it through victoriously. On August 21, 2015, Gospel Recording Artist, Tasha Cobbs Leonard release the single “Put a Praise on It” The single featuring another mega gospel artist Kierra Sheard still rings true today almost ten years after its original release:

There's a miracle in this room

With my name on it

There's a healing in this room

And it's here for me

There's a breakthrough in this room

And it's got my name on it

So I'm going to put a praise on it

I'm going to put a praise on it

While you are putting a praise on all that you are dealing with in this season remember the words of Psalm 46:1-3

God is our refuge and strength [mighty and impenetrable],

A very present and well-proved help in trouble.

2 Therefore we will not fear, though the earth should change

And though the mountains be shaken and slip into the heart of the seas,

3 Though its waters roar and foam,

Though the mountains tremble at its roaring. Selah. (Amplified Bible)

The Soul of America is split wide open but like the soles of my old pair of black shoes, it doesn’t have to stay split.