Big Sky!

Today’s ride was clear and wonderful! Montana is truly the Big Sky state! The beauty of the colors does not come across in the pictures. I left this morning early and rode from Piedmont, SD to Billings, MT. I am staying with a new friend, the Rev. Gary Waddingham, a retired priest in the diocese of Montana. We were connected by my friend, Bishop Marty Stebbins (Bishop of Montana). I plan to arrive at her house tomorrow. I am grateful for Gary’s hospitality.


Gary is cool. He’s an armature radio operator (ham radio). He’s got radio equipment and antenna’s everywhere. 😳 He’s definitely ready for the zombie apocalypse. 🤣 In all seriousness, since I’ve been in the Tennessee State Guard, I’ve developed a lot of respect for this type of hobby that is always an asset in times of disaster. It was a joy to sit and chat with Gary over dinner and talk about church. He’s been a priest for 50 years and is a treasure trove of information. 

On the ride today through the tribal lands of the indigenous peoples, I got to thinking about how white European colonists displaced, enslaved, and murdered these people, calling them savages. I know that I went to Mt. Rushmore yesterday, but was quickly reminded that native peoples regarded “the Black Hills” as sacred. I didn’t know, but learned that it was the indigenous people that did the dangerous carving and blasting because they needed the work. It almost seems as if Mount Rushmore was put in the Black Hills as an affront to the local natives, but I don’t know. I will learn more about this. I am kicking myself for not getting to see the Crazy Horse monument, but have promised myself that I will return to South Dakota to do that. 


The situation with Mount Rushmore reminds me how scripture is sometimes used in bad ways. While the Bible is often liberating and life giving, it has also been used as a justification for colonization and cultural dominance, forcing Christianity on other cultures, thinking they are inferior because they’re different. Jesus never told us to go forth and dominate or shove religion down someone else’s throat. I personally feel that living the faith is an invitation to others to live the faith. We are blessed in life to be a blessing to others.

Challenge to St. James & Self: Think about how you use scripture. Are you reading it through the lens of love?

Piedmont, SD to Billings, MT
Ride: 331 miles
Total: 5,250 miles



Location: Billings, MT, USA

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This Week!

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