I do not do this often (nor have I ever before), but I must recommend an article to all of you – accessible on a website if you have the means, and if you do not, the library stands ready to assist you. The article is “Rethinking the American Dream” accessible at http://www.vanityfair.com/culture/features/2009/04/american-dream200904.
The author, David Kamp, led me to a deep reconsideration of what I pursue in my private life as “the good life” or the American dream. In some of the more salient points, he addresses Norman Rockwell’s paintings of The Four Freedoms. Issued after a speech by Roosevelt pre-Pearl Harbor, the freedoms were depicted in paintings including one you’ve no doubt seen many times, Freedom from Want, an image of an American family eating Thanksgiving dinner around the table. David Kamp points out the simpleness of the curtains, the ordinary nature of the room and the adequate nature of the meal – appropriate to the number of people there, but not extravagant. As he points out, the American dream is freedom from want, not freedom to want.
In these days, we’ve all come to worship success, and have a skewed vision of what the dream was for our forefathers: a place to live, a home of one’s own, enough food and clothing, and peace and quiet enough to raise your children while you went to work and earned your pay. The American dream is not so alive and well as it is twisted and sick now – a shadow of its former self, afflicted by a dread disease: selfishness. But it is not dead yet – still alive, it has endured before and will flourish again, given the right treatment, humility and attention.
As you may now, I am a pastor, and the general perception is that pastors aren’t paid especially well. I looked up my salary in an inflation calculator once, and figured out that my salary is equivalent to your average middle class man in 1955. I could be considered poor by today’s standards, which shocks me! The man in 1955 had to supply a wife and children out of his money including whatever they needed. Unsurprisingly to me, I have a wife and children, and my wife stays home. How do we make it? Because we are well provided for for our needs.
Cable TV is not a need, nor is the latest automobile (though sadly I still make payments on mine). Divorced of the litany of perceived “needs” in America today, one can live comfortably and even happily. Our pain comes in trying to be who we are not – rich mansion owners with the latest trends. Why pursue that life? Could they really be happier than we are? We should really consider.
Our children these days, growing up in the massive shadow of our selfishness, come to see that they cannot fail, and so they cannot deal with it when it happens. My generation was brought up hearing we could be president, astronauts or titans of business. I felt a little alone when, deep inside my self, all I wanted to be was a Dad, and have a good job with a nice home. I have news for this next generation, now teenagers and struggling to come to grips with the disconnect between TV and real life: what you see on television are lies. Not even the people depicted truly live that way, they put on a show. Sure they are wealthy, but marketing makes sure you have something to want.
For our children, the most responsible thing we can do is to tell them that they can pursue anything they want – they simply might not get it. There are humble professions in this world – pastor, janitor, grocery store clerk, barber. But if we tried getting on even one week without these professions, we’d be in sorry shape. If you truly value your children and your future in their world, teach them well. Teach them to aim for the stars but keep their feet planted on the ground, because the truth is we need everyone at Warehouse Market, Ralph and Capitola’s Barber Shop, the Library and the Church. Our town, life and even America itself are richer for the fact that, rather than be failures at something great, we have greatness in our midst – artisans and good hearted people who steadily work at becoming masters of their business and art everyday. This town is America, and it is time to dream anew.
VBS ANNOUNCEMENT! Been to everyone’s VBS by now? Kids crawling the walls? Eager to send them for some growth in the Lord while experiencing the exhilaration of uninterrupted sleep or shopping? Send your munchkins to this years VBS at Okmulgee First Church of the Nazarene! July 19th-23rd (Tuesday through Saturday), so mark your calendars now. The kids will learn and have fun all week long, then meet on Sunday morning for a presentation and performance for the parents. They need fun, you need a break. Let’s minister to the whole family, what do you say?
- J. Cole Weston is Lead Pastor at Okmulgee First Church of the Nazarene at 711 N. Okmulgee. You can contact him via email at okmulgeenazarene@gmail.com or 918-213-0359. Services are held Sunday at 10:30, with Sunday School at 9:30.
