From '80 to '83 I was a proud co-owner of one of the most popular restaurants in Brazos County, Rebels Restaurant and Bar. The theme was the South of the Civil War era and the business was festooned with all types of memorabilia: coins, flags, hats, pictures and swords. We did not celebrate or tolerate any type of racism or bigotry in our establishment. It was a theme, a decor, a gimmick and we were visited by and employed all types of folks from every race in the area. Only once did I receive a comment that it was racist, and after a long and pleasant conversation with the lady, we agreed to disagree in peace.
I was proud of that business then and I am proud of our accomplishments now.
We employed over 75 full and part time people and were a solid member of the B/CS community. We were all having a good time and enriching each other's lives.
My family and friends, customers and hoards of Aggies wore our t-shirts and hats. Anyone that thinks I have, or ever had, a racist bone in my body clearly does not know me.
That being said, I was reminded the other day by a dear friend of a comment our Pastor is reported to have made recently, "Why would any believer (follower of Jesus) fly a flag that offends even one brother or sister in Christ. I agree.
I count many ethnicities in my circle of beloved brothers and sisters and I shudder to think I have ever caused even one to question my integrity or my love for them.
The Confederacy belongs in the history books, not forgotten, but not used to offend even one. We look to our past for lessons so that we might not repeat our mistakes. Let's all agree to live in peace.
This is America and we are enjoined to have a higher ideal.
My beautiful daughter reminded me that it has only been two generations since black Americans were segregated publicly in America, and segregation does still exist today. Let us not fall to the pandering of politicians, activists, ignorance and pettiness to the detriment of our society or of ourselves.
“For if someone sees you, who have knowledge, dining in an idol's temple, will not his conscience, if he is weak, be strengthened to eat things sacrificed to idols? For through your knowledge he who is weak is ruined, the brother for whose sake Christ died. And so, by sinning against the brethren and wounding their conscience when it is weak, you sin against Christ.” 1 Corinthians 8:10-12 NASB
