Chic Fil A

I recently engaged in some exchanges with friends on my FaceBook page about Chic Fil A (A national restaurant based out of the South.)  The owners of Chic Fil A began a foundation that gives money away to other organizations.  Many people love Chic Fil A chicken, and who doesn’t love a company who gives money away?

Recently it was made known that the Chic Fil A foundation, WinShape has given large amounts of money to organizations that do not embrace diversity or tolerance.  In fact some of these organizations are known to focus on promoting intolerance, discrimination and divisiveness.  For some, who agree, it is business as usual.  For those who are the receiving end of the trauma caused by these groups, they do not see it as business as usual.

They are spreading the word, sharing the news and calling them out.  Some people are refusing to eat there and asking their friends and family to stop eating there as a signal to Chic Fil A that certainly have the right to choose who they give their money to, just as those spending it have the right to organize and help them earn less of it to give away.

A former schoolmate posted “And you have the right to do and do the same, Royal... both sides are destructive...”  The word that caught my eye was destructive. I understood how promoting intolerance, injustice and discrimination can be destructive.  I was trying to understand how slowing down their ability to make as much money to give away was destructive. 

And, I began to think if it is, after all, destructive for people to stop patronizing a business, and asking their friends and family to do so, in the name of human rights, in the name of equality, in the name of civil rights, isn’t that acceptable?  Hopefully, it means that this effort underway helps Chic Fil A realize that there are many great positive causes they could contribute to and that supply and demand can make or break a company. 

I don’t have the answers to give you.  I am still praying, thinking and being mindful about all that surrounds me.  I struggle with others who are so passionate that they stop listening to others and go on automatic pilot.  In order to grow, lean and be in relationship with one other we must stop.  We must listen.  We must take time to understand.

I don’t know that I will eat at Chic Fil A anytime soon, or at all.  I do not support the many organizations that they give money too. I am sad that they openly admitted to it and are firm about giving money to those groups.  I hold out hope that at some point the powers that be will see how harmful, hurtful and un-admirable their actions are, and realize that there are so many other causes that are based on love, need, and help verses hate, harm and danger.

I am reminded of the quote "If you can, help others; if you cannot do that, at least do not harm them."  There is so much good that needs to be done in this world.  Tearing each other down and building up walls IS destructive and only accomplishes hurt for all.  Building bridges and tearing down walls is how we can travel through life together, on a good journey. 

We can be the change we seek in this world, and in ourselves.  One day.  One journey.  One person.  One good deed at a time.

Royal D. Bush serves as Interfaith Chaplain.  He has studied at Andersonville Theological Seminary, and the International Institute of Faith Based Counseling.  He also holds a Bachelor Degree in business administration. He is available for premarital coaching, couples coaching, life coaching, and pastoral care in the Nebraska and Iowa area.

Inclusive Life offers both nondenominational and nonreligious care-serving all, without exception!  Inclusive Life offers Wedding Ministers, Premarital Coaching, Couples Coaching, Funeral Ministers, End of Life Planning, and Pastoral Care. To reach Chaplain Royal or Chaplain Beth please email info@inclusivelife.org OR phone 402-575-7006. Omaha Weddings, Omaha Counseling, Omaha Funerals