Recently, President Trump criticized the Smithsonian museums for putting “too much emphasis” on slavery and not enough on the brightness of America. His words made me pause, because they touch on something I’ve wrestled with for a long time.
When I was in school, we were never really taught the full ugliness of slavery or the genocide of Native Americans. The story was simplified, scrubbed clean, and made to look like progress was always smooth and triumphant. Only later in life did I begin to see how much had been left out.
Just the other night, I watched the film Glory—the story of the first Black regiment to fight in the Civil War. I was amazed and deeply moved. Their courage, sacrifice, and dignity were part of the fight not only to preserve the Union but also to expand the meaning of freedom itself. Yet I realized I had gone most of my life without ever knowing that story.
The truth is this: we cannot hide what we have done. To tell the story of America is to tell both the light and the darkness. If we only celebrate the “bright side,” we are not telling the truth. And without truth, there can be no healing, no reconciliation, and no deeper greatness.
Scripture reminds us:
“You will know the truth, and the truth will make you free.” (John 8:32)
Jesus’ words point us to a freedom that is rooted in honesty. Truth may hurt, but it heals. Truth may unsettle, but it sets us free. If we want America to be strong, hopeful, and bright, we must be willing to face the shadows as well as the light.
A Prayer for Truth and Healing
Lord of light and truth,
We give you thanks for the blessings of this land and for the people who dreamed, built, and sacrificed for freedom.
We confess that our history is scarred with slavery, injustice, and violence against the vulnerable.
Give us courage to face these truths without fear.
Give us wisdom to teach the next generation both the brightness and the brokenness of our past.
And give us hope that, by your grace, honesty will lead us to healing, and truth will make us free.
In the name of Jesus, who is the Truth. Amen.
Pilgrim’s Reflection: The pilgrim’s path is always walked in truth—for only by facing the shadows can we see the fullness of the light.
The Curious Pilgrims 