Category: Patriotism

We've all lived it. Times when we felt numb and hopeless, for whatever reason.

Right now some of us might blame it on taking in too much of what's going on around us in connection with the 2024 U.S. elections.

Angry talk, accusations and division fill the air–and every kind of media or social platform we turn to. Even friends and family members walk on eggs around each other, afraid to voice their opinions out loud.

It's fair to say it often looks and sounds more like we are the Divided States of America.

What happened to national unity?

From the beginning every American schoolkid heard over and over that the United States was the great melting pot. This was the one place on earth where it didn't matter what your name was or how much money you had. Whether you were born here or in another country and arrived via legal immigration.

No wonder the national mindset could be summed up like this:

We are Americans! We are one!

Also in that time everyone understood the truth of what we still say today: "Nobody's perfect."

Hardly anyone argued with that, being well-acquainted with their own repeated failures to keep their good resolutions.

As one old-timer put it, "Ain't no perfect people anywhere. Anytime."

Let's get our brains in gear

Let's set aside the charges and counter-charges for a moment and focus on some unique, foundational truths about our Nation:

We the citizens have the right to vote and elect our President, Vice President, Senators and Representatives and other governing officials.

We have the right to complain about those we elect at the National, State or local level of Government without fear of being dragged off to a work camp.

We have the right to work for any employer who will hire us. Own any car we can afford. Live in any house we can pay for. In any State we choose.

We are free to form our own opinions. Every single one of us, agree or disagree. Free to worship God–or remain skeptical.

This is rare. Shouldn't that fact give us the right to be proud of these United States of America?

Is America perfect? Not by a long shot. Is America more good than bad? Yes

If we focus only on the flaws in our society and in people and in our world, we cheat ourselves, our families and the people in our lives. There is so much more.

Like most Christians, I believe God put you and me right where we are, among the people in our lives. Why? Only He knows the full story. What if His purpose is so we can speak what is true and be a blessing? Here. Now.

As someone has said, if we're alive and breathing it's a sign that God still has a purpose for us. A reason to go on.

What can one person do?

Those of us who are Christians believe we are to pray for all those who are in authority, that they would have–or at least exercise–integrity and good judgment.

We all can pray that truth will prevail, in government, in education at every level, and in the hearts and minds of the people of this Nation.

Just as importantly, let's remind ourselves that ultimately, freedom is a matter of the heart and mind. As a Christian I believe this verse points the way:

[Jesus said] "So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed." John 8:36

For all of us, as clear-thinking adults, let's not get caught up in what is divisive. Rather, may we focus on what is good and right and true.

That does not mean constantly barging into conversations in an effort to ensure our opinions dominate. Rather, we are to be gentle and kind in our conversations with friends, coworkers and family members.

We cannot bring peace in the world all by ourselves, but we can be up-builders in the place where God has planted us.

NOW is the time!

If you have not registered to vote, do it NOW because the deadlines are upon us.

I implore you that between now and November 5 you would weigh the evidence and evaluate each candidate. Make up your own mind. Then be sure that you cast your vote–for your well-considered choices. Follow the instructions in your State, but get that vote in–and be sure it gets counted.

Let's not waste our privilege as citizens of this much-blessed Nation.

Humbly and lovingly,

Lenore
How Do We Get Through This Troubling Time?

October 22, 2024
Are you weary of the constant barrage of news reports filled with angry charges and dissent?

Me, too.

Let's not get stuck there. Let's step back in our minds to before the United States of America officially existed. The population seethed with unease because this was a colony of Great Britain. For anyone to speak or act against the King's decrees could result in being charged with treason.

Still, in that setting a small group of men summoned up courage to gather in secret. They labored together for days as they hammered out the unforgettable words of our Declaration of Independence. From the first to the last they knew they were risking their lives and everything they owned.

When they signed their names it was akin to signing their own death warrants. Yet they did not flinch.

Even today their words live on

"We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness."

These were audacious words in an era when every man, woman and child within our borders was subject to a powerful Ruler and government headquartered across a vast Ocean.

The signers believed in God ("their Creator") and their Declaration of Independence makes that clear. Its adoption by the Continental Congress on July 4, 1776, marked the United States of America as an independent nation. It took the Revolutionary War to establish this as fact to Great Britain and the rest of the world.

Through all the unrest of that time–and so many times in our history, including today–America survives.

Leaders, then and now

Our Nation's Founders believed in God. If you doubt that, read some of their words:

"We recognize no sovereign but God, and no King but Jesus." -John Adams and John Hancock.

"It is impossible to rightly govern the world without God and the Bible." -George Washington

"[The Bible] is the rock on which our Republic rests." -Andrew Jackson

These Founders stated what they believed. No doubt they also relied on Bible verses like this:

God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble. Psalm 46:1

Instead of angst let's take each day as a gift and leave it in God's hands

Let's substitute encouraging each other for complaining and repeating our gripes and our fears to the people around us.

We know for sure this is not the first time in our Nation's history when emotions ran high and trust ran low. No doubt it won't be the last.

As we take in the news and conversations around us let's use reason and logic to evaluate individuals and current events. After all, since the beginning leadership positions have been held by imperfect people.

(That shouldn't surprise us since that's all there is to draw on.)

Finding a place of calm

The future–all of it–is in the hands of our gracious Father, who loves us with an everlasting love. We can safely rest our hearts in Bible promises like these:

Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:6-7

Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid. John 14:27

The courageous men who signed our Declaration of Independence believed this. This strong foundation of faith has carried these United States of America through many a crisis.

However flawed we may be as a Nation or as individuals, it takes nothing away from these Truths.

Choose a new perspective

Imagine how our society would change for the better if each of us made it our purpose to be a blessing to our family and friends.

Think how that would–could–change us. Our street. Our community. Our Nation.

Whatever our stage of life this could give us a sense of new Life, plus the Liberty of being free of old mindsets. Our personal pursuit of Happiness would result in good all around.

Reason to celebrate, for sure!

Praying for this Nation and for you,

Lenore

Remember: God’s got it covered

June 28, 2024
Reports from Ukraine and the surrounding countries keep us all on edge. Many of us are hazy about the long, troubled history of this part of the world and don't see the tie-ins between what's going on now and say, World War II. "Hansi's" story will fill in some of the gaps.

I met her when she spoke at a years-ago gathering of Christian women in our area. We knew only that our speaker had grown up under Hitler. As usual, I came prepared to take notes.

Maria Ann Hirschmann started off by saying, "Everyone calls me Hansi," and continued on in a lively stream of words.

Soon she announced that by God's mercy and protection she had reached the age of 84 years old.

I think it's fair to say none of us expected to hang on every word she spoke, but we did. Nor could we know how her story would relate to anything here in the United States.

Hansi was born in Czechoslovakia to German-speaking parents, which made them part of a small minority. Times were harsh, with never enough food. When Hansi's mother realized she was pregnant with their third child, her husband insisted she have an abortion, a common "solution" for an unexpected pregnancy.

"But my mother believed in God," Hansi said, "and she could not do that."

When the infant turned out to be a third daughter, her father took one look and said, "Ach! Another girl," and walked away in disgust.

Not long after, this Christian mother urged her best friend, "Marta," to take in Hansi, even though she already had four children. Marta felt her friend's distress and answered, "I will take your child and I will raise her for Jesus."

"She kept her promise and I learned about the Christian faith," Hansi said, "but my foster mother stressed that God wants us to be good–and then He would love us. So I grew up believing God could never love me, because I was not an easy child. I always talked, always asked, 'Why?' and was forever in trouble. I felt unwanted at home and at school, but now even by God."

Times were hard all over Czechoslovakia. The young girl grew up sleeping in haylofts and seldom had shoes, even in the coldest winter. Hunger stalked the land. "We had almost no food, no hope things could change and nothing to believe in.

"Then one day over the hill came the Nazi soldiers carrying the German flag.

"They told us not to be frightened. Hitler would take care of us. He would see to it that we had food and clothing and work, which meant money to spend. Within six weeks it all came true. We had enough to eat and at last we had shoes. Factories started up again, so we had jobs.

"Surely, we concluded, all this came about because of the goodness and wisdom of Adolph Hitler. So now we had someone we could put our faith in–and we did, because we saw the change all around us. Now we could dare to hope again."

Nazis went throughout the country testing children, even in the little one-room school Hansi attended. They chose her to attend the Youth Training Institute in Prague. "For the first time somebody actually chose me. I was the poorest kid in the village, so I could not expect to go on to high school or college," Hansi said. "Now I thought I had caught the rainbow.

"As I got on the train my foster mother whispered in my ear, 'Don't forget about Jesus.' I promised I wouldn't, but within a year I had totally forgotten everything I ever learned about Jesus."

For the first time in her life Hansi had a bed of her own, with warm blankets, in a warm room. She had new clothes (her uniforms) with three good meals every day. Leaders constantly told these young people. "The 'Great Supreme Being' has chosen Hitler to save Germany and all of Europe. And Adolph Hitler has chosen each of you to be a leader, to help him change the world."

"At last I had a purpose," she said. "Folks always ask me how the people of the Reformation could believe in Hitler and allow Nazism to take over their land. I tell them we were brainwashed, which is nothing more than being told the same thing over and over and over.

"We didn't know the word 'brainwashing,' didn't even guess it was happening, but it was. After awhile, you think it must be right, because you keep hearing it everywhere. We all believed what we heard and millions turned away from God.

"I know now that all this proves the truth of Proverbs 14:12, which reads, "There is a way that seems right to a man, but in the end it leads to death."

Her present fear for the USA

"My friends," Hansi told us on that California Saturday, "that is my biggest fear for my beloved America. I am very, very afraid for our country. As a nation we have turned to the ways of the world and it seems right. In so many ways we have abandoned the God of our forefathers.

"I know from personal experience that when you turn away from God a country can be destroyed very quickly.

"That's why I say to you and all my fellow Americans, in every election, Vote! Learn all you can about the candidates and choose carefully, but vote! If two people are running and you don't like either one, then vote for the lesser of two evils. But don't ever forget that being allowed to vote is a tremendous privilege and freedom is never something to take for granted.

"Freedom is God's gift and it is precious. I know, because I have lived without it."

In my next post I'll tell you about Hansi's dangerous escape from Russian captivity and her first frightening encounter with a dreaded American.

(Please note: This is my best paraphrase of Hansi's words, from my notes and also watched the five-part YouTube series about Maria Anne Hirschmann, a.k.a., Hansi.)

May God bless you and watch over you,

Lenore

Hear wisdom for America from a one-time Nazi youth leader

April 2, 2022
If asked to name a one-word description of what sets the good old USA apart most of us would answer, "Freedom."

Most of us take our freedom as Americans for granted. Why wouldn't we? Freedom is like the air we breathe: Always there.

Perhaps that's why we forget freedom isn't free and therefore take veterans and Veterans Day lightly.

Let's take another look.

Maintaining our freedom cost life itself for many. Those who loved them deal with pain and emptiness that won't quit.

Even many of those who survived still deal with pain of body and mind, some of them for life.

Veterans Day is all about honoring fellow U.S. citizens who served in our Armed Forces over the years. Even those who never served in a war zone set aside their personal "civilian" life choices for years.

Those who loved them and their extended families so often did the same. Without this sacrifice you and I would not be free.

It seems a puny gesture to honor veterans only one day of the year, doesn't it?

In the larger sense, Veteran's Day is about what it costs to hang onto our freedom

One U.S. Marine Corps chaplain expressed it well.

"It is the soldier, not the reporter who has given us the freedom of the press.

"It is the soldier, not the poet, who has given us the freedom of speech.

"It is the soldier, not the campus organizer, who gives us the freedom to demonstrate.

"It is the soldier who salutes the flag, who serves beneath the flag, and whose coffin is draped by the flag, who allows the protester to burn the flag."

-Father Dennis Edward O'Brien, Sergeant, USMC

Giving honor where it is due

Honor translates into respect and appreciation. When we speak it and live it, our children pick up the message: Freedom is precious and those who protect it deserve to know we appreciate what they do.

It doesn't require grand gestures, just the right heart attitude.

If we truly value those who serve/served, it will show.

Children and young people are watching and listening all the time. Even (and especially) when they pretend not to. Kids watch adults hoping to pick up clues on what to believe and what to say and how to live.

From now on let's make sure we–and our children–notice and talk to veterans and those currently serving and just say Thanks.

This simple gesture can help kids understand that real people keep us free. People who have dreams and feelings and families who love them.

People very much like their parents and the adults they know and love.

If we don't pass on this attitude of appreciation to the next generation, who will?

It's as easy as speaking well of those who serve in our Armed Forces now or have done so in the past. Always.

Are they perfect and do they always make right decisions? Of course not. They are human beings, as we are. But to let the failings of a few overshadow what is good and right and true misses the point.

Why not choose to look instead at all this Nation has come through?

Ponder the gracious hand of God's blessing on this Nation, right from the start. When we do, we reinforce our own sense of gratitude and satisfaction as Americans.

What's more, our words and attitudes "trickle down" to our children–and beyond. Our positive comments help them feel good about their world.

Like it or not, our kids "catch" and mimic our outlook on the world.

Once again it comes down to the Golden Rule

It's all about being grateful and showing it. These simple words of Jesus (Matthew 7:12a ESV) cover most of life's situations and human relationships.

So whatever you wish that others would do to you, do also to them…

Let's just do it! Let's speak our thanks to our veterans or those who actively serve in our Armed Forces. A hug or a pat on the back can encourage their family members, too.

Each of us, whatever our age or ability, can do that much. Any day of any year. Think how that bit of affirmation might strengthen and comfort them.

Instead of fretting and complaining about what's wrong with America, let's start being part of what's right with these United States of America.

Consider it a way to speak up for–and help to hang on to–our freedom as Americans. If it seems one person cannot make a difference, listen to Edward Everett Hale

"I am only one, but I am one. I cannot do everything, but I can do something. And I will not let what I cannot do interfere with what I can do. And by the grace of God, I will."

With gratitude,

Lenore

Let’s remember who we are as a nation–and tell our kids

November 10, 2021
What are your thoughts when you see a flag flying, whether outside a home or at any public place?

It seems that many consider the flag a visual offense, wherever it is–just by being there. And they're not all young, not all "radical," or whatever convenient label might come to mind.

An area realtor told of a recent experience with an older married couple who were looking for a house.

Both were Caucasian and judging by their clothing and their car, these two were accustomed to living "the good life."

After the realtor had driven them around the community for an hour or so, the wife told him, "Well, the homes are nice, I grant you that, but I would not want to live in this community."

When asked why, she said, "Too many American flags, they're all over the place! It makes me extremely uncomfortable. I could never feel at home here. Thanks for your time, but we need to look elsewhere for a house."

One photo that says a lot

Nobody knows who took the above photo of the U.S. flag–or where–and no one found evidence it's a Photoshop editing job. Someone snapped it at just the moment when the sun's reflection came through in the shape of a cross.

I smile every time I see this photo. It reminds me that even in the midst of all the unrest and the protests and the endless blah, blah, blah, God has not given up on us and walked away in disgust.

For the Lord will not forsake his people; he will not abandon his heritage. Psalm 94:14 ESV

Step back to the beginning, to when our Declaration of Independence was hammered out

Some of us easily rattle off these familiar words, but for once, let's read them slowly. Thoughtfully. Here's the first paragraph:

"We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness."

(Note: This is not "sexist language." In that time–and for eons–the phrase "all men" would have meant "all people" or "all humankind.")

The Declaration ends with these words:

"And for the support of this Declaration, with a firm reliance on the protection of Divine Providence, we mutually pledge to each other our Lives, our Fortunes, and our sacred Honor."

Did the 56 men who signed this Declaration really mean these words?

These courageous men risked everything to go on record with their beliefs and their signatures. They knew beforehand that it could mean prison or death.

Some who signed this Declaration did pay with their lives and their fortunes–or various family members did. Even close relatives and former friends often wanted nothing to do with them.

All this because they believed the United States of America should be independent, with a government elected by its citizens.

From the beginning, the USA became known as "a Christian Nation"

Did that identification fit? Read a few statements of the Founders and decide for yourself:

"[The Bible] is the rock on which our Republic rests." – Andrew Jackson

"We recognize no sovereign but God, and no King but Jesus." – John Adams and John Hancock

"Here is my Creed. I believe in one God, the Creator of the Universe. That He governs it by His Providence. That He ought to be worshipped." – Benjamin Franklin

"It is impossible to rightly govern the world without God and the Bible." – George Washington

"The gospel of Jesus Christ prescribes the wisest rules for just conduct in every situation of life . . . If moral precepts alone could have reformed mankind, the mission of the Son of God into all the world would have been unnecessary." - Benjamin Rush

"What students would learn in American schools above all is the religion of Jesus Christ." – George Washington

Our Nation today seems far from that

Most people think our society could use some help.

That makes it easy to be discouraged. It can feel good to hang with others of the same mindset and everyone say "Tsk, tsk, tsk" in unison. But what good does that do?

Whatever our personal opinion, a lot of us feel helpless to make anything better. As always, it starts with the one person looking back at us from our bathroom mirror.

Helen Keller lived with blindness from early childhood. Still, she left her mark in the world–and made it better–with wise words like these:

"I am only one, but still I am one. I cannot do everything, but still I can do something; and because I cannot do everything, I will not refuse to do something that I can do."

So what can I do, right here and right now?

One answer is obvious and free to all of us. We can use our voices and our time to build up, rather than tear down.

Small gestures matter–and they make a difference.

As an example, take one of the longtime checkers at a local supermarket. I know nothing about her personal life, but she seldom stops smiling. Anytime someone asks how she is, her answer goes something like this. "Great, just great. I'm so blessed I can hardly stand it!"

Then she'll ask how her customer is doing and always offer some kind of encouragement or bring up something positive that's going on in our community. I've noticed that every person who walks away from her counter leaves wearing a smile.

This one individual lives out the Apostle Paul's words:

Let no corrupting talk come out of your mouths, but only such as is good for building up, as fits the occasion, that it may give grace to those who hear. Ephesians 4:29

It's time to get off the hamster-wheel

Too many of us have been going round-and-round, endlessly reciting what's wrong with these United States. I haven't noticed this makes anyone happier, have you?

So let's cut it out! Let's focus our attention on what is right with America.

Our Constitution was hammered out carefully, then finally ratified on June 21, 1788. Patrick Henry was one of those who ratified it and he said this:

"It cannot be emphasized too strongly or too often that this great nation was founded, not by religionists, but by Christians; not on religions, but on the gospel of Jesus Christ. For this very reason peoples of other faiths have been afforded asylum, prosperity, and freedom of worship here."

That was true then. It is true now.

Let us not forget who we are!

We have reason for thanks every day of every year. Thanks for the courageous men of faith and vision who founded our Nation. Thanks for the protection of Almighty God. From the beginning He has been gracious and merciful despite all the ways we've lost our way.

He has not given up on us, has not walked away. Neither should we, not even in our minds.

Of all people, we who are Christians have reason to be consistently joyful. We actually can grasp what signers of our Declaration of Independence and Patrick Henry were talking about. Yes, we live in a world that's broken. But we do not lose hope because we know Who it is that holds our world together.

And he is before all things, and in him all things hold together. Colossians 1:17

Now there's something solid and immovable to hang onto. To rejoice in. To celebrate, no matter how shaky it feels in the moment.

May God continue to bless America and keep this Nation strong!

Thankfully,

Lenore

Look at our foundation to assess the lasting strength

July 1, 2021
In recent times many people feared America might crumble under the strain of politics

They forgot this Nation has come through hard times before. Survived and even thrived, because of (or in spite of) whoever held elected office.

On January 9, 1790, our first President, George Washington described the beginning of these United States and used a phrase that's now common:

"The establishment of our new Government seemed to be the last great experiment for promoting human happiness."

Democracy, still in existence–to the amazement of the rest of the world. (Can there be any explanation except it is by the grace of God?)

You and me, blessed to live in America, the land of new beginnings. The land where anything is possible.

You and me, still here and still alive, by the grace of God. Every day is the gift of our Creator. May we take Psalm 118:24 to heart–and live it:

This is the day that the Lord has made; Let us rejoice and be glad in it.

It's time to make a new start

Our recent Presidential election shows an almost equal divide among votes received. Opinion polls report the same. Differing mindsets are not bad because, hey, this is America. What's harmful is when "we" quickly judge "they" are blind and vice versa, forgetting we each have the right to sincerely believe what we believe.

Let's ditch the carping and criticizing that causes discomfort among friends and family "on the other side."

When we hang onto the mindset of "sides," we all lose. Our 16th President, Abraham Lincoln, laid out the reason why:

"A house divided against itself cannot stand.”

America's history is peppered with accounts of missteps and misguided leaders along the way. Yet God preserved this "great experiment" over and over again. And he tells us how to relate to those in authority positions, as in:

Let every person be subject to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except from God, and those that exist have been instituted by God. Romans 13:1 ESV

This Nation was founded on timeless principles

Our founding fathers hammered out the unforgettable first paragraph in our Declaration of Independence:

"We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness."

Their last sentence identifies the cornerstone and foundation stones for their Declaration:

"And for the support of this Declaration, with a firm reliance on the protection of Divine Providence, we mutually pledge to each other our Lives, our Fortunes, and our sacred Honor."

Our Founders were wise and principled individuals, yet they relied on our all-knowing God to show them the way.

It cost them dearly

Those men ho signed the Declaration of Independence and later, the U.S. Constitution, risked everything they had to found this Nation and to break away from powerful Great Britain.

They knew the hazards beforehand. A number paid with their lives and their fortunes–or members of their families did. As for their "sacred honor," some people around them called them traitors to the Crown. That surprised no one.

John Hancock refused to be intimidated and signed the Declaration first in large, bold script, declaring, "Well, I guess the King should be able to read that!"

Did our Nation's founders believe in God?

Decide for yourself:

"We recognize no sovereign but God, and no King but Jesus." –John Adams and John Hancock

"It is impossible to rightly govern the world without God and the Bible." –George Washington

"By renouncing the Bible, philosophers swing from their moorings upon all moral subjects… It is the only correct map of the human heart that ever has been published… -Benjamin Rush

Our U.S. Constitution came into being in 1787

That's when many of these same men came together to write the binding document that would detail how the federal government would function.

It required courage even to try to put together this new way of running a country–and it took time. The Constitution vested the power of this union in the people, yet each state had different laws, interests and cultures. The challenge was to lay out how this group of states could unite into one body.

Predictably, not everyone favored such a system of government. Many citizens still had ties with Great Britain and remained loyal to the Crown.

As before, the founders forged ahead and relied on Almighty God:

"For my own part, I sincerely esteem it [the Constitution] a system which without the finger of God, never could have been suggested and agreed upon by such a diversity of interests." – Alexander Hamilton (In 1787 after the Constitutional Convention)

The great pillars of all government and of social life [are] virtue, morality, and religion. This is the armor, my friend, and this alone, that renders us invincible. –Patrick Henry

"The Constitution only guarantees you the right to pursue happiness. You have to catch it yourself." -Benjamin Franklin

These men had no instruction manual

They were striving to do what hadn't been done, to put together a nation like none other on earth and set up its governing structure from scratch

They had only themselves and God. But that was more than enough.

The brave men who penned the Declaration of Independence knew their Bibles. The principles they set down for this fledgling United States of America reflect Bible verses like these:

Where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is liberty.– II Cor. 3:17

Blessed is the nation whose God is the Lord. – Psalm 33:12

Reflections from some later U.S. Presidents

"The rights of man come not from the generosity of the state but from the hand of God." –President John F. Kennedy

"If we ever forget that we are One Nation Under God, then we will be a Nation gone under." -President Ronald Reagan

"A people that values its privileges above its principles soon loses both."-Dwight D. Eisenhower

Let's leave behind grumbling and intrigue and search out reasons to give thanks

May we look for evidence that God has not walked away from America. It's all around us if we have eyes to see–in people, in nature and yes, in politicians.

Every day let us humbly ask God to watch over us and to guide every public official, at every level, whether we voted for them or not. Let's also pray He will preserve this nation from those who would destroy it, whether from without or within.

Rich or poor, old or young, let's deliberately talk about what's right about America and those elected to lead us. That simple strategy will help us be a positive influence in our family and among our friends.

Our founders meant us to live honorable and peaceful lives. So does our Maker. Here are just two of many Bible verses that flesh out how to treat the people around us.

Let each of you look not only to his [or her] own interests, but also to the interests of others. -Philippians 2:4

[Jesus said] "And as you wish that others would do to you, do so to them." -Luke 6:31

Imagine if we remembered who we are as Jesus people

Imagine if we let it show.

[Jesus said] "You are the light of the world . . . let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven." –Matthew 5:14a, 16 ESV

If you and I live by those simple instructions our Nation will grow stronger.

It was true for our Founding Fathers and it is true for each of us: God is our strength, our hope, our refuge.

With a grateful heart,

Lenore

America will endure so long as we keep our foundation solid

January 21, 2021
It's the time of year when we celebrate the those who gave their lives so this could remain The Land of the Free.

Most of the time we take all this for granted, as if freedom were our natural right.

Not true. Freedom carries a terrible price tag.

On Memorial Day we count the cost in lives. For once we take a sober look at the truth.

Every headstone represents a person who lived, someone with a family who still grieves the loss of this life.

These individuals died so you and I could walk around without fear.

Their families lost someone dear to them so our Nation's government could continue to function as it has from the beginning. Now as then, you and I are absolutely free to vote for whomever we choose as our President–and all other lawmakers–in every level of government.

Free to worship God as we choose. Free to live where we choose. Free to send our children to whatever school(s) we choose and can afford.

Those who died to preserve these rights were–and are–heroes. They deserve the ceremonies and the flags that fly on their graves in military cemeteries all across the world.

Ever wondered how all those flags "magically" get placed every Memorial Day?

Here in the United States credit almost always goes to local Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts and Brownie troops.

Placing flags fits right in with Scouting goals. They want to build character and help develop citizens who participate, rather than sit on the sidelines.

Scouting couldn't exist without the moms and dads who support leaders and kids in so many ways.

Kneeling at graves and placing flags can be a significant experience. For at least a little while these youngsters will think of the bravery and sacrifice of those who died.

As for the rest of us, why not speak our thanks to these young people? And their parents? And their troop leaders?

Kids need heroes. So do we all

Especially now, when cynicism is running wild among us.

Late-night comics and talking heads endlessly slice-and-dice this individual and that one, over and over. Everyone is fair game, from the President on down.

Such critics get praise for their "wit" and "remarkable insights."

Do any of them–or do we–ever stop to think that it's a privilege–a precious gift–to be able to speak their minds? Or for us to listen to any speaker we want? Or watch any TV channel or webcast that fits our whim of the moment? Or read any newspaper or book we fancy?

All of it without fear someone will find out and report us?

You and I did not earn these rights ourselves. They did.

Memorial Day reminds us who we are

It seems to me we value being Americans too cheaply. We are a Nation birthed out of courage by those who risked everything to bring these United States into being.

Our founding fathers cared enough to fight for our liberty as a people.

Every individual who gave their life to preserve that liberty is proof the courage of those early patriots lives on.

Franklin D. Roosevelt, U.S. President during most of World War II, said,

"Courage is not the absence of fear, but rather the assessment that something else is more important than fear."

How can you and I show courage and be a blessing now?

We can focus on what's right and good. We can speak well of our Nation and its leaders. We can stand for what's true and honorable in whom and what we applaud and reject what is not.

Like the Scouts, we can participate, rather than sit on the sidelines and carp.

That may include teaching the great old patriotic songs and poems–and the Pledge of Allegiance–to our children and grandchildren. (Never assume they automatically learn them in school.)

Why would I say that? Because I sing with a chorus and we almost always close with a patriotic song such as "God Bless America," or "The National Anthem." We see the same thing every time we perform. When invited to sing along, most adults–especially seniors–know every word.

Children, teens and many young adults usually remain silent. If asked why, they answer, "Because I don't know the words."

What more can we do to be a blessing?

When we spot a veteran or a current member of the Armed Forces, we can say, "Thank you for your service and for keeping our country free!"

Most of all, we can pray for our leaders and affirm what is good.

I urge, then, first of all, that requests, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for everyone–for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness. This is good, and pleases God our Savior, who wants all men to be saved and to come to a knowledge of the truth.  –1 Timothy 2:1-4 NIV

Whatever our personal life challenges may be, we can pray for guidance and strength and trust God's goodness.

Good times or hard, God is with us

We can take God's word to His people–and us–seriously, as recorded in Joshua 1:9.

"Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go." NIV

Surely God's hand of blessing has been on these United States from the beginning. We do well to remember that, especially in this time when our nation seems so divided from within while dangers lurks on all sides.

Even as we honor those who gave their lives to keep these United States free, we thank God for His goodness.

If we keep that mindset and profess the faith and confidence within us, we will be remembered as people who made our own small world a better place, just by being alive.

God bless America!

Lenore

What does it cost to keep us living in freedom?

May 23, 2018
Young or old, every one of us needs someone to look up to.

We need heroes in our lives.

Memorial Day is all about honoring those who serve in the Armed Forces now and those who died to keep our Nation free. Certainly we can never repay them or their loved ones, so we clap and cheer, our emotions a tumble of pride, gratitude and humility.

Then we stop talking bravery and get back to normal.

What about the other 364 days of the year?

Maybe it's time we stop looking "out there."

Heroes live all around us.

They come in all ages, all sizes and all shapes. Think of military spouses who thanked God their husband or wife survived terrible injury and now pray every day for strength to keep going. Consider the mom or dad with a severely disabled child or a loved one who needs constant care. Try to imagine the anguish over what was lost. Yet every day they get up, smile and keep on showing love.

Heroes, every one. One may live next door or even under your roof.

Heroes keep their word. They hang on through hardship. They keep on loving despite disappointments and refuse to give up. They consistently affirm the good in others.Spend five minutes with them and we walk away feeling better about ourselves. Lifted up.

Children especially need heroes

From their youngest years, kids crave stability and trustworthiness. Faithfulness. Love that won't quit. Something to believe in that's as sure as sundown and sunrise. Just by being loving parents, imperfect and flawed as we all are, we fill their deepest needs. They feel safe and secure.

That continues, even through their prickly adolescenet years. Every survey says that young people still pay more attention to their parents and how they live than to any media or sports star. Even when our grown children are well into adulthood they watch us, to learn how to handle life.

That's our contuing privilege and it gives us purpose for every day we live.

It's okay to feel shaky

None of us can role-model goodness and courage every day of every year. But we can ask God's help, then go forth with trust and joy. I like this "road map:"

    Trust in the Lord with all your heart; do not depend on your own understanding.
    Seek his will in all you do, and he will show you which path to take. –Psalm 3:5-6

Let's keep praying for our military personnel

They serve our nation and they serve us. Their courage wavers, too. They get weary and weak and want to give up sometimes. They need our prayer support.

It's personal in our family. One granddaughter is on her second re-enlistment with the Navy and scheduled for a Middle East deployment. Another completed her duty with the Marines Corps after a tour in Kuwait and one near Baghdad. Like all military parents our daughter and her husband wait and worry and most of all, pray.

Others will continue to argue over the "rightness" or "wrongness" of war. Let us unite and thank God for those who serve in our Armed Forces and pray He will preserve this nation.

With love from your fellow learner,

Lenore

Looking at the heroes around us

May 27, 2012
In such a time as this, let us celebrate those who died–and those who live–to keep us the land of the free.

Let us not waste our freedom by forgetting the price tag.

May God continue to bless these United States of America!

Seize the JOY in this day,

Lenore

Reason to celebrate!

May 30, 2010