Many Paths: The nation is paralyzed in gridlock. What's the best path forward?

What should I do, say, think or even pray when the foundations and pillars of our society appear to be turned upon its head? My first reaction is to feel overwhelmed just like David, the author of Psalm 61, but note David’s response to things around him being turned upon its head. David’s course of action was to pray.

Those of us who ascribe to the faith of Abraham should follow David’s example.

The idiom, “turn something on its head,” according to the Free Dictionary by Farlex means, “to misinterpret or misrepresent something so that it is completely incorrect or opposite of what it should be.”

As a person of faith, I will, like David, seek God through prayer and the scriptures. The First Epistle of John, Chapter 3:1-24 lets us know whether we are on God’s side or the devil’s side. Therefore, the New Testament Church has been commanded, “to pray for those in authority that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and honesty.”

Jesus has empowered the Church to shine for him, but something has happened to our light and resolve.

The nation is paralyzed by gridlock in the states and the in-people’s house. Why? Societal norms are being abandoned which turned life upon its head, and thrust us into a quandary, a state of perplexity or uncertainty.

More: Your turn: Yes, our country's history is flawed but we've never had it so good

Today, we are witnessing unprecedented lawlessness that’s happening in real time along with a growing disdain for institutions. The Pledge of Allegiance states, “one nation under God,” but in application applies only to a select group.

Lawlessness and disdain for institutions represents a serious challenge, but for the creator of heavens and the earth knows us and, “is acquainted with all our ways.”

When things are "turned on their head,” families struggle to survive, battling hard times. They struggle to make ends meet. When things are turned on their heads, more of the nation’s children are being left behind with no lifelines for them to grab hold of.

I grew up believing that America valued every person’s life. I believed that our nation upheld the rights of all but sadly, that belief has been turned upon its head. Why? The historical account reveals something radically different.

The historical account affirms the fact that the founding of America was solely due to global colonialization. The Scottish writer Robert Burns unlocked a window of understanding for those willing to open it. His quote, “man’s inhumanity to man makes thousands mourn”, is insightful.

I believe that true history requires no alterations. True history is unapologetic and states the raw truth; the good, the bad and the ugly.

True history requires consistent and accurate study to safeguard us against repeating the failures of the past. Again, I must ask, what is the best path forward for a nation that has been turned upon its head?

A nation that has jumped the tracks of reality and fixed their eyes on fables. What is the best path forward for a nation whose citizens are angry and applaud the derailment of its own institutions? Our response ought to be, “hear our cry, oh God; attend unto our prayer.”

In closing, let me share a simple and yet profound example of love, commitment, and selfless leadership that truly makes America greater.

This example comes from my home church, Star of Hope Full Gospel Church of Peoria. Our congregation has been blessed to have the same Spiritual Leader or Shepherd for 59 years. I have heard of marriages lasting 59 years, but this is extremely noteworthy.

The shepherd’s name is Bishop Joseph Johnson. He is the former Director of Juvenile Court for Peoria County. He is the first African American to hold the position in the country and he served for over 30 years, impacting thousands.

This servant leader epitomizes the character of the Lord Jesus Christ at home, at work, in the community and in the world as well.

In addition, he singularly pioneered a movement in Peoria to ordain women as ministers of the Gospel of Christ. At the beginning of his pastorate, congregants had little education but under his leadership, financial support, and encouragement many have earned high level degrees from colleges and universities as well as their children and grandchildren.

This is a true servant leader who has modeled God’s faithfulness before his congregants. What do you think true greatness looks like?

To me, it looks just like the leader that I just introduced to you. One who knows how to connect heaven’s blessings to those who need them most.

Andrew Jowers is a minister in Galesburg.

This article originally appeared on Rockford Register Star: Many Paths: What's the best forward given today's current state?