We are in need of a healthy renewal of our better selves and our souls
Patrick Payton, Midland mayor
Mayor Patrick Payton speaks in June during the AADE, American Association of Drilling Engineers, luncheon during the Shale Energy Conference at the Horseshoe. Tim Fischer/Reporter-Telegram
Tim Fischer/Midland Reporter-TelegramThroughout the past two years I have seen the best of Midlanders. From front-line workers to roughnecks keeping our great city and region going during an historic pandemic and downturn. From school teachers to small business owners nurturing the next generation and fighting to keep generations old businesses open. From fire fighters to police officers and to road crews keeping us safe and working through an historic freeze and beyond. From non-profits to houses of faith doing all they can to care for the least and most needy among us ranging from human beings to our pets. I’m leaving so many out, but I’m certain you know exactly what I’m talking about. It’s the spirit of West Texas and Midland that one New Yorker asserted makes this place “look like America.” But recently a new burden has arisen in my heart that has spurred me to write this article.
Over the past several months I have received countless reports of crimes against people and property in our city. I have heard of the surge in gang activity seeking to prey on our kids. I have heard of far too many lives lost due to traffic accidents. It seems rarely a day goes by that I do not receive some bad news wreaking havoc on our people, our city and our morality. We are living in trying, challenging, and at times divisive days. But what are we to do?
I am so proud to serve with and alongside the city staff and counsel. I am beyond certain that together the city staff and council will do whatever is necessary to make sure our city that looks like America remains the jewel of West Texas and the shining example of life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness. But what we need in our season of trial and testing is not another ordinance or city plan; what we need is a city on its knees before our Creator begging for grace, mercy, peace and perhaps an awakening.
With this context of thought in mind I am taking this opportunity – and perhaps this risk – to call our city to pray for one another, our collective good, our state and even our nation. What our city needs is beyond ordinances and rules. We are not in need of a new government program or initiative. We are in need of a healthy renewal of our better selves and our souls.
I realize that there are those reading this article who might say I am overstepping my role and should just leave the pastoring of the city to the clergy to which I once belonged. I get that, and it might be a fair shot. But in this season when our economy is picking up and things are getting back to normal I cannot – as mayor – sit back and watch us lose our moral compass, bright shining example of liberty and freedom, and the American way of life because a city that looks like America does not call on the collective faith that built America to turn us back toward a safer, more God-like city that touches every area of our lives from family, to church, to work.
Great awakenings and renewals never occur because of a government program or call to action. Great awakenings occur because small, out-of-the-way groups of people heed the words, “If my people will humble themselves and pray….”. I do not care about your denominational choice or lack thereof. But I do care about the heart and soul of this city – expressed in many different faith and belief traditions – that I have observed for nearly 23 years. Our heritage is not just a city that “looks like America.” Our heritage is a city that cares for America, cares for our neighbor and longs for the best for all. Let’s gather together in our homes, in our churches, and even alone and beseech our Creator for grace, mercy, peace and even renewal as we step back up to our role as the shining example of the great state of Texas, a reflection of the values of this great nation, and return to loving our neighbor like ourselves for a brighter future, a safer future and a blessed future.