HARD TO KNOW THE TRUTH by Robert Soto

April 2, 2010

HARD TO KNOW THE TRUTH by Robert Soto

Jeremiah 29:8-9 "...Do not let the prophets and diviners among you deceive you. Do not listen to the dreams you encourage them to have. They are prophesying lies to you in my name. I have not sent them," declares the LORD."

What if you were given the opportunity to go back to the past and share with your ancestors what was yet to come? How the newcomers who seemed to be coming in peace would turn against the essence of who God the Creator had created us to be. What would you say to them to convince them that your words were truth, and to warn them of the deception, annihilation, destruction and stealing of lands we considered sacred and a gift from God the Creator? How would you convince them and communicate to them about the holocaust that was yet to come? I read the words of Geronimo and how I wish I could have gone back and tried to convince him of disasters and travesties that followed the path of lies and broken promises.

Yes, I do know what I would do or what I would say, but I'm convinced that Geronimo already knew that the words from the those representing the government and the political officials were lies. As Geronimo sat with General Miles, he said, "When we had made the treaty General Miles said to me: 'My brother, you have in your mind how you are going to kill me, and other thoughts of war; I want you to put that out of your mind, and change your thoughts to peace.' Then I agreed and gave up my arms. I said: 'I will quit the war path and live at peace here after.' Then General Miles swept a spot of ground clear with his hand, and said: 'Your past deeds shall be wiped out like this and you will start a new life.' But what kind of new life did they mean? What guarantees did they give him that life would actually be different and better? For Geronimo, words the were spoken meant the truth, but for the Whites, they were just words given to get what they wanted. Which in many ways, has not changed much today. Even today, if it sounds too good, it must not be true. Jeremiah warned the people of such individuals whose words were like the forked tongue of a snake. He said, "...Do not let the prophets and diviners among you deceive you. Do not listen to the dreams you encourage them to have. They are prophesying lies to you in my name. I have not sent them," declares the LORD."

Robert Soto, Lipan Apache and pastor of:

McAllen Grace Brethren Church
The Native American New Life Center
Chief of Chiefs Christian Church