Trail of Tears
In 1838 4,000 Cherokee died in their forced relocation from the land that the Cherokee called “The Trail of Tears, called “the Trail where they Cried.” The displacement of the Cherokee people resulted from the Indian Removal Act of 1830, which was violently implemented by Andrew Jackson. In 1831, the Choctaw were the first to be uprooted, followed by the Seminole in 1832, the Creek in in 1834, the Chickasaw in 1837, and finally the Cherokee in 1838. By 1837 46,000 Native Americans had been removed from their homelands.
Prayer
Dear Lord, we pray for anyone who is suffering because of abuse and removal. Please protect them, remove abuse from them, and restore the damage that has been done. Let your power heal their hearts and bring comfort to them. Please renew their spirits and help them not to fear. Rebuild trust and confidence. Help them to regain strength, courage, and hope for better days. May your Holy Spirit cover them in Jesus’s name. AMEN.
Scripture: Matthew 21:12-16
Jesus entered the temple area and drove out all who were buying and selling there. He overturned the tables of the money changers and the benches of those selling doves. “It is written, “ he said to them, “ ‘My house will be called a house of prayer’, but you are making it a ‘den of robbers.’” The blind and the lame came to him at the temple, and he healed them. But when the chief priests and the teachers of the law saw the wonderful things he did and the children shouting in the temple area, “Hosanna to the Son of David,” they were indignant. “Do you hear what these children are saying?” they asked him. “Yes,” replied Jesus, “have you never read, “ ‘ From the lips of children and infants you have ordained praise’ ?”
Reflection On the Anniversary of a Disaster
God of steadfast love, who led your people through the wilderness: Be with us as we remember and grieve. By your grace, lead us in the path of New life, in the company of your saints and angels; through Jesus Christ, the Savior and Redeemer of the world. AMEN.
The Cherokee endured their removal from their tribal lands in North Carolina and Tennessee. How well would you do if you were faced with the same situation, and what would you say to others about your reaction?
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