Tag: America

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

    Blog. woman. sky. 11.2023

    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:    

    1. We the citizens have the right to vote and elect our President, Vice President, Senators and Representatives and other governing officials. 
    2. 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. 
    3. 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.
    4. 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?

  • The 20th anniversary of 9/11 occurs this year, 2021. 

    That day changed the way we Americans think and introduced all of us to a new kind of fear, an underlying anxiety. 

    Blog. 9.11 bldgs. 9.17Even now, television replays and photos of that day shock us and remind us of the ongoing horror and the sorrowful days that followed.

    Some ask what good does it do to remember because no one can rewrite one second of that day?

    Yet we must remember, if only to recall to our minds that 9/11 changed life as we knew it and ushered in extensive safety and security restrictions as "normal" in our daily lives. 

    Perhaps we need the annual reminder that life is fragile and each one of us is vulnerable at any moment of any day.

    It could have been any of us that happened to be in the World Trade Center at that exact moment  

    Less than two months before 9/11, a friend and I sat in the the glass-walled Observation Tower on the top floor of one of those Twin Towers.

    It was my first time in Manhattan and I loved it.

    My husband and I lived in Washington state and I sang with a community choral group. In July of 2001 our Chorus traveled across the country to give a few concerts. New York City was to be our second stop.

    First we sang for a large national church conference group in Washington, D.C.

    Our performances ended mid-afternoon. That gave most of our chorus members ample time to head on over to the U.S. Capitol. We all knew from watching past Independence Day celebrations on TV that's what was scheduled for the evening of July 4th.  

    Now we–with no prior arrangements whatsoever–wanted to watch it up close and personal, so we decided to chance it whether we could find a place among the mass of attendees. After all, the hotel clerk said, "Just walk on over and find a place to sit."

    A carefree July 4 in DC  

    About sunset a group of us singers/sightseers found empty spots where we could perch on the steps of the U.S. Capitol. 

    Not a barrier in sight. No fenced-off areas. All around us people were strolling about freely.  

    It seemed like a photo-shoot of America. The grounds were filled with folks of all ages and every color, many conversing in unfamiliar (to us) languages. Some people spread their blankets and picnics on the Capitol lawn. Some put out lawn chairs brought from home and positioned themselves to get the best view of the stage show and fireworks to come. Kids did what kids do, playing tag and running around between blankets and chairs.

    We all mingled peaceably and it seemed every face wore a smile.

    Those in our group talked of how amazing and wonderful it was that such large crowds could gather so close to the Nation's Capitol building. One said, "It all reminds you what it means to live in a free country, doesn't it?"

    Not one of us imagined this would be the last time crowds assembled for Independence Day–or any day–would enjoy such freedom of access.  

    Next day we were off to New York City to give another performance 

    We had some personal time earlier in the day. My friend had been there many times and insisted we must go to the Twin Towers, because "Everyone needs to go up on top and just look out at least one time in their lives."

    We took the elevator to the top, the Observation floor, which featured glass walls that stretched around most of that floor. We found empty seats in the front row and sat for perhaps 20 minutes with our knees pressed against the glass.  

    Then I walked all around the roomy space, awed by the evidence of God's creative hand in the beauty of land and sea and sky on all sides. That grandeur touched my heart way more than the works of man, the impressive skyscrapers that dwarfed the Empire State Building. 

    A couple of smiling security guards watched as we came in and when we left, simply observing the people who were there. Nothing more.

    Nothing more was needed.  

    That night our Chorus performed at a concert hall, complete with orchestra.  (I kept pinching myself.) Once again, no complex security requirements. Audience members needed only a ticket. We performers simply walked in the Stage Entrance. One Security guard, casually keeping watch. No hassle, just walk in.

    My heart brimmed over on that trip and on our flight home, thanking God that I was able to be included in that "dream" trip.

    And so blessed to live in these United States of America.

    Who could have known these would be "before" freedoms?

    On 9/11, life changed. For all of us. Never again would we take it for granted that we were safe, simply because we lived in the United States of America.

    Ever since, there's been an underlying sense of fear and watchfulness, as if collectively, we were waiting for "next time." 

    Since 9/11, nobody without proper credentials strolls aimlessly through the U.S. Capitol grounds–or anywhere else in public buildings or grounds of Washington, D.C. Or in most other Government buildings, whether national or state.  

    How have we come safely through these past years? We may credit this Administration or that Administration. We may reel off a long list of agencies and personnel and give credit where, yes absolutely, credit is due.

    Yet every expert in every field tells us the best efforts by the best people remain insufficient. No agency, no amount of armed guards, no amount of money spent for the latest defense equipment, can guarantee the safety of this Nation–nor of us as individuals.

    Evil is real. Evil exists all around us, just as it has since Eden. To consider Evil an outdated concept is akin to burying one's head in the sand.

    The ongoing lesson is this: Only one sure Defense exists 

    By now we all know very well that people and programs are not enough to keep us safe. We need Help that will never fail us. Where can we turn?

    God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.   Psalm 46:1  ESV

    Every word of God is tested; He is a shield to those who take refuge in Him.    Proverbs 30:5  ESV 

    Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the LORD your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you.   Deuteronomy 31:6  NIV

    What then shall we say to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us?   Romans 8:31  ESV

    As a Nation, as individuals, we could not be in better hands–on this day or any day of any year.  

    May God bless America, indeed, and keep us safe, both now and in the future!

    And, Gentle Reader, may you know His peace in your heart and in your life, the peace that passes all human understanding.  

    Trusting and praying, too,

    Lenore

    Ongoing Lessons from 9/11

  • 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. 

    Blog. Declaration of Independence. 10.16On 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