My dad used to read the newspaper every day. He would often read an article, and in dismay or disgust, set it down and say, “Everyone is talking about rights. No one talks about responsibilities.” Yesterday, I was on a Zoom meeting with two of my third grade English Language students. Their social studies assignment is to choose five of the first ten amendments of the US Constitution (also known as the Bill of Rights), write them down, and then come up with responsibilities that go along with the rights. It took some explaining of the meanings of the words “quarters, press, seizure, jeopardy, incrimination, bear arms, etc.” to children who do not have English as their first language, but I think they understood the rights part of it by the time we were finished.
It is harder to teach people about responsibilities. It starts with parenting. It continues in school and interpersonal relationships. What responsibilities do we have to our friends and family? What responsibilities do we have to strangers? These are difficult times for everyone, and each of us has to figure out how to balance the rights and responsibilities we have. Like most people, I have more questions than answers. All I know to do is practice my first amendment rights by praying for anyone who reads this, whether I know you or not.
Heavenly Father, I bring before You the people who are reading this, regardless of their beliefs. I ask that you keep them safe from the virus that has taken hold in our world. I ask that you give them the opportunities and the help that they need to have a safe place to live and enough food to eat. I ask that you help them get along with the people with whom they live, and I ask that those who live alone don’t feel alone. Please give our doctors and scientists the knowledge they need to cure and prevent this disease. Also, in this time of trouble, I ask you to help everyone turn to You for strength instead of turning against You in blame. In Jesus name,
Amen