Jesus said to take the log out of our own eyes, then we can see better to take the speck out of our brother’s eye. Another wise man said that before we criticize another we should walk a mile in his shoes. I did not grow up as a young black girl in South Chicago, like Michelle Obama, so it is hard for me to understand how that that would be. I do know that when Michelle Obama entered grade school some schools were not yet integrated. In Arkansas, public schools were not completely integrated until 1973 – little black kids were not allowed to go to public schools with (supposedly superior) white kids. Michelle was 8 at the time. I also know, from reading books, that race prejudice was still around in South Chicago all the time she was growing up. Also the Vietnam War was finally stopped in 1975; Michelle was 11 at the time. For me that was a time when I began to doubt the old adage “my country, right or wrong”. In addition to race prejudice, and unwise war, we had gender prejudice – even though we had a “women’s equality day” in Aug. 2006, women are still not always given equal pay for equal work – even in our country!
Back to “pride”
Loving our country is different from being “proud of it”. I try to get guidance from the Bible (since the 1970’s), so I am uncomfortable with the word “pride” – I don’t even like the bumper sticker “I’m proud of my Honor Student (even though some of my grand kids were cum laude or suma cum laude – by God’s Grace, no fault of mine)”. The bible, in general takes a dim view of “pride”. When we look at the dictionary definition, we see why:
1 a: inordinate self-esteem: CONCEIT b: a reasonable or justifiable self-respect c: delight or elation arising from some act, possession, or relationship
2 : proud or disdainful behavior or treatment : DISDAIN
3 a : ostentatious display
The first definition “inordinate self esteem”, is definitely counter to Jesus’ teaching. Some Bible listings on the word are:
Job 35
[The people] cry out because of the pride of evil men, but He does not answer.
Psalm 10:2
The wicked in pride and arrogance hotly pursue and persecute the poor; let them be taken in the schemes which they have devised
Psalm 59:12 (Whole Chapter)
For the sin of their mouths and the words of their lips, let them even be trapped and taken in their pride, and for the cursing and lying which they utter.
Psalm 73:6
Therefore pride is about their necks like a chain; violence covers them like a garment [like a long, luxurious robe].
Psalm 76:12
He will cut off the spirit [of pride and fury] of princes; He is terrible to the [ungodly] kings of the earth.
Proverbs 8:13
The reverent fear and worshipful awe of the Lord [includes] the hatred of evil; pride, arrogance, the evil way, and perverted and twisted speech I hate.
Proverbs 11:2
When swelling and pride come, then emptiness and shame come also, but with the humble (those who are lowly, who have been pruned or chiseled by trial, and renounce self) are skillful and godly Wisdom and soundness.
Proverbs 13:10
By pride and insolence comes only contention, but with the well-advised is skillful and godly Wisdom.
Proverbs 16:18
Pride goes before destruction, and a haughty spirit before a fall.
Well, it goes on and on – space doesn’t allow even 1/3 of the references like this in the Bible. Michelle Obama grew up in the Biblical traditions and most likely knew some of these verses even as a child.
So when we say we are “proud of our country” we had better understand what we mean. Personally I prefer “I love my country” – which I do (I have lived in a third world country), and I would guess Michelle Obama does too. This means we love the people in it; we want to help make it the great country it can be; and we are very grateful that God in His Mercy saw fit to have us born here – which means we have a big responsibility, not license to be haughty.
So, when Michelle Obama thought about what was taking place: a black man and a white woman were both making a serious bid to become president, she naturally blurted out “ for the first time in my life, I am really proud of my country”, I understand. I believe any of us who really think about it will understand too.