I took a tumble onto concrete two weeks ago.

Nothing broken.

A lot that is bruised, swollen, and painful.

Nothing on my face, so my movie career is not over. But my days with the Dallas Cowboys are kaput.

I will return to the pulpit on July 6, the Sunday following the 4th of July.

We would usually have on that day some nod to the nation.

But not this year.

No Rah! Rah! Ray! until we are a democracy again.

This evil will pass. Some of the voters who brought it on us are tiring of it.

They are seeing that evil is not selective. It will roll over all in its path.

Evil is driven by fear and vengeance and lust for power. It cares for no one but self.

And this is showing.

It can’t be hidden.

And most people have that common decency.

The tide will turn.

So, we will again sing America the Beautiful and My Country ‘Tis of Thee—but we will wait until it is again.

This year, we will have a simple prayer for our nation and a time of thanksgiving for those who have served and bled and died to keep us free.

That dying will not be in vain.

America will be beautiful again.

And then we will sing.

Then we will shout.

Then we will give thanks to the Lord who has brought us safe thus far and will surely lead us home.

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In my absence, Mary will preach each Sunday.

Mary Teague is our Associate Pastor.

Until full ordination, she is also a nurse with a heart for people and a loving presence.

Give her a listen.

And be blessed.