Cinderella’s Time Clock

By Deborah “Spirit Vision Woman” Laidig

When I first heard about the National Day of Reconciliation that was taking place this year, I have to admit, for a split second my heart leaped. Then I promptly was reminded of the story of Cinderella where for one evening, she was changed into a beautiful maiden riding in her glorious carriage. But when the clock struck twelve, she was returned to her original self, dressed in rags carrying a mop cleaning up after the messes of others. I believe a National Day of Reconciliation may be a start, but I wonder this: After the clock strikes midnight and the consciences of men and women everywhere come down from the warm fuzzes of the day, will anything that was repented and prayed for change our mindsets. Will we actually begin to walk in the ministry of reconciliation that Jesus talked about?

By referring to the ministry of reconciliation that we are all called to as believers, I do not mean missionary work or one-time reconciliation services that lead people to tears and repentance and then end. I am referring to:

Building relationships with those you are praying for.

Getting to know them as valued and necessary children of God.

Respecting them and their culture as God made them

Learning about the gifts that God put in them for the Body of Christ.

Recognizing their authority and leadership abilities within the Body of Christ.

Maybe I was absent when they were handing out the rose-colored glasses, but I don't see a whole lot of change happening with regard to racism and reconciliation today. It may be a lot quieter in some areas concerning it, but that doesn’t necessarily mean it’s not there. I cannot see how we can so proudly say we are a country founded on freedom and Godly principles when we, in fact, took freedom away from the original inhabitants of the land. Then we proceeded to use the word of God as a weapon against them.

As I write this, I continue to hear an alarm clock going off in my spirit, and like the one in Cinderella, it’s midnight. DONG...Wake up America...DONG...Wake up Church...DONG...Time is near...DONG...Don’t turn a blind eye again to what needs to be done. Reconciliation is an action. Yes, sometimes it takes a step of faith, a whole lot of humbleness, and most of all, compassion and love. Go back to the beginning to the First Nations people—you’re native brothers and sisters. Look into their eyes...hear their wisdom and their heart. We have missed so much of God because we have not recognized their place in this land. It’s a place of honor. It’s a place where some people are sitting who have no right to be there (See Luke14:7-11).

Reconciliation is a walk. It’s a walk where you stand shoulder to shoulder with your Native brother and sister, where you share the same pulpit or talking stick, and where you invite them into your churches as honored guests and not token Indians. It’s where you learn from their wisdom, and are blessed by their friendship. It’s when you introduce them as your brother and sister in the Lord and regard them as family. Reconciliation is repentance, relationship, and restoration. The three will never be complete without each other. The hour is late, but not too late. Let’s not stop at repentance. There is a lot to still make right.

Father, Thank-You for leading this nation and our leaders to a time of reconciliation. May You open our eyes to see the importance and necessity of living a lifestyle of reconciliation. And may we continue to be sensitive to You heartbeat as a people and a Nation.