Taking Our Stand and Having Our Say

*It was one Saturday that I first saw and heard this casually dressed gentleman at the Q Street Mall in our city. I would later see him the next day on a Sunday morning at our church. His appearance both times were non-threating, and that is why our pastor allowed him to have his brief say. With a kind, gentle, and respectful spirit, this is what he said: I stand here today as many have stood long before me. They did not stand as a herd of cattle but as one lone human. They stood with conviction and vision without compromise or cowardice. Often they stood sadly alone, never knowing who if any had their back. People like a prophet in the lion's den, refusing to compromise his faith. Like a blind man healed by Jesus who refused to be stopped and silenced. Yes, I stand here like thousands of protesters who perished without mercy. I stand like one brave lady refusing to unjustly yield her seat on a public bus. I stand here for life, for freedom, for justice, for equality, and the Rule of Law. I stand for the constitutional protection of the rights of male and female, for both majorities and minorities, for all races and religions, for all colors and creeds. Sometimes, we stand fearfully because bravery is not a prerequisite for standing. I stand like a priest who defied his authorities saying, "So help me God, I will not recant". Moreover, I also stand as one who, afraid to die, compromised his faith but later boldly died for his faith. It is not always that one's stand will cause one to be heard, believed, or celebrated. Our stands might not even be noticed or recognized as we pass on into eternity, but we can be assured that if our motive is righteous and our cause is right, God will not forget. With no further comments or questions, he graciously shook the pastor's hand and left the sanctuary never to be seen again. 10062018PoSoupContest, I Stand Here, Craig Cornish *Fiction