Leeds contains approximately 40 churches within its city limits, representing a wide variety of Christian traditions. Whether you are a person of faith or not, if you live in Leeds, your life will be impacted by the reach of its churches. I have a favorite one myself
In this most recent election, political parties clashed over definitions of Christianity. Senatorial elections in Kansas and Texas were won by faith leaders who challenged the notion that Republicans were the party of faith and family. Both candidates espoused a faith that championed grace and service to “the least of these” that seemed to resonate with voters in their traditionally red, religious states. And perhaps, throughout the country, many conventionally religious voters had trouble marrying their Christianity to President Trump.
The specific numbers for the Leeds precincts from November 3rd have yet to be released, but I am interested to see how our hometown leaned in the election, especially in the governor’s race.
Leeds has always represented the broader country. We have rich and poor and middle class. Blacks, whites, and Hispanics. Rural and urban folks. Gays and straights. The religious and the non-religious. Most of us stay home or separate into our own groups on Sunday mornings, and we hear slightly different interpretations of the Bible and its messages. Some lean more toward discipline. Some favor more mercy and grace. I think we can all agree we need both.
Recently I read a quote in Theo of Golden by Allen Levi that really made me think. It was from a black grandmother who was weighing in on how badly a man should be punished by the courts for permanently injuring her granddaughter and killing her daughter-in-law in a horrific traffic accident. It went,
“Baby, they’s justice and they’s mercy. If you not sure what to do and you gotta choose one or the other, I say always go the mercy way. If you make a mistake, make it for mercy. Bad mercy don’t hurt nearly like bad justice, and always remember, the eye of God can see.”
Not Alabama so much, but maybe the country thought we had swung too far towards unfair justice last Tuesday and decided to swing the pendulum back towards mercy for a while. Either way, it’s always a subject worth soul searching and looking to the Bible, and to our local churches, and to history for guidance.
Tuesday, November 17th, the Episcopal church on 119 will take its turn hosting the Community Thanksgiving service. Faith leaders and their congregants from across the city will come together to express gratitude for our many Leeds, Alabama, blessings. I admire the concept of joining our faith lives together for this celebration. We certainly have lots to be thankful for.
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