Returning in Love That Which Was Taken In Hatred

The Chickamauga Nation

February 11, 2025
/
Cultural Preservation

Returning in Love That Which Was Taken In Hatred

‍

Vengeance and revenge destroy the very essence of the inner self of man.  Man was not created to deliver retribution; we were created to love and care for our fellow man.

Upon reading over 2500 pages of the detailed exploits of hatred against the Chickamauga people it would be easy to seek vengeance, revenge, and retribution.  To give in to that desire begins to create callousness in our hearts which makes us no better than those who sought and still seek to eradicate us.  We must call upon our “better angels” to return in LOVE that which was taken in hatred.

Life was taken from the Chickamauga in hatred, but the Chickamauga must return life and kindness in LOVE.  The special kindness and LOVE we demonstrate to each other and those around us help heal the trauma our ancestors passed down to us.  That trauma is real, the hurt, pain, and suffering are real, and the loss of life is real, but we must help each other heal by demonstrating love toward each other, and those who committed hate against us.

Homes and Land were taken from the Chickamauga in hatred, but the Chickamauga must return homes and land in LOVE. The Chickamauga people are typically poor, older, and live on a fixed income or they are young and work hard for a living.  As our Tribe becomes more economically developed, in LOVE, we must return to our people's homes and lands that were taken from our ancestors in hatred.  We cannot wait for the government to take care of our people; we must return to our people in LOVE.

Crops, orchards, and livestock were taken from the Chickamauga in hatred, but the Chickamauga must return crops, orchards, and livestock in LOVE.  The Chickamauga people had their livelihoods taken from them in hatred.  Our Tribe must restore to our people the ability to provide for themselves, not a continuous handout, but a continuous hand up to success.  LOVE overcomes the devastating consequences of demonstrated hatred.

LOVE when demonstrated as LOVE confounds hatred.  Demonstrations of LOVE are an anathema to hatred.  Hatred is taken aback and must retreat in the face of LOVE.  LOVE for those who hate is never easy, it goes against our inner self, but LOVE overcomes and brings healing to those who have and are suffering.  LOVE, true LOVE creates the only way to overcome hatred.  LOVE tears down hatred one layer at a time.

While we must identify and call out hated for what it is, we must do so in LOVE to restore those who demonstrate hatred.  The restoration of one person back to the community of LOVE creates generations of those who LOVE.  This is the ultimate example of returning in LOVE that which was taken in hatred.  The restoration of one person who hates, is a true blessing for generations to come.

As we Chickamauga go about our daily lives, we must seek to return in LOVE that which was taken in hated, not just for ourselves, but for those around us.

‍

‍

(C) This document was produced at the request of the Senate Committee on Indian Affairs on July 18, 2019, to document the History, Anthropology, Culture, Religion, and Archaeology of The Chickamauga Nation.

‍

publicationhistory
All past, present and future claims or assertions of Chickamauga history, written or spoken, including but not limited to biographies, curriculum vitae, lectures or any other reference not listed herein, are deemed fraudulent by The Chickamauga Nation. The use of the image of the Ancient Axe of Authority© is used by expressed written consent of its creator and copyright holder, Dr. Michelle Spruell.

All content on this website is protected by copyright and is the intellectual property of The Chickamauga Nation. Use of the image of the Ancient Axe of Authority and text on this website without the expressed written consent of The Chickamauga Nation is strictly forbidden.

PUBLIC NOTICE: The Chickamauga Nation and its Citizens declare that any and all entities who profess or claim Cherokee identity inclusive of Citizens and members of said entities in any and all forms are determined to be persona non grata to The Chickamauga Nation. Persona non grata status extends to any and all entities, citizens, members, or diplomats without initiation or provocation of litigation. Persona non grata status extends to but is not limited to the Government of The Chickamauga Nation, Culture of The Chickamauga Nation, Religion of The Chickamauga Nation, History of The Chickamauga Nation, Identity of The Chickamauga Nation, Relationship of other tribes with The Chickamauga Nation, and shall not affect the relationship of The Chickamauga Nation with the United States government or agencies thereof, including other tribes and nations not mentioned.

DISCLAIMER FOR ALL FUTURE PUBLICATIONS: In lieu of providing repetitive academically verified documentation as requested by the Senate Committee on Indian Affairs on July 18, 2019, The Chickamauga Nation hereby give notice that beginning on January 1, 2022 all future publications are presented using the research which has been academically verified by professionals in the fields of history and anthropology.
© 2022 The Chickamauga Nation. All rights reserved.