The Glow of Youth is our Hope

And my righteous ones will live by faith. But I will take no pleasure in anyone who turns away.  (Hebrews 10:38  NLT)

Americans, we are on the brink of greatness.  How do I know?  The young people of our nation are awesome. 

Here is just one story:

A college-aged Jewish man invited anyone of any faith to join him for Shabbat every Friday.  This young man of faith and his diverse group of friends broke bread and talked.  When he heard about another young man on campus who was in the habit of spewing hate in public forums, our young man of faith decided to invite this lost one to dinner.  He stood his ground even after most of his usual dinner companions scattered to the wind.  His friends found him still willing to share when they cautiously returned one by one.  

Now, the best part of the story begins.  This group, inspired by a man of faith, allowed the lost one to talk and he let them talk.  They exchanged thoughts and articles until the lost one had to admit the error of his way.  He publicly and bravely admitted the hate he spewed was based in lies.  This brave young man was reborn but at the price of being estranged from his family.

My fellow Americans, do you understand what I am saying?  People from all walks of life found each other on this college campus because a man of faith extended a loving hand to everyone he met, even a young man trapped by a fear he had been taught since his youth.  This diverse group of people talked to each other, learned from each other, and grew stronger together.  They stepped out of their respective comfort zones to become a better version of themselves.  That is the true American dream. 

So, I repeat my assertion.  Americans, we are on the brink of greatness while standing at a crossroads.  We cannot turn away from our responsibility; it is up to us to choose the direction that clears the way for our young people to fulfill their purpose.  They are destined to become the leaders of tomorrow who will usher this nation into a time of unimaginable greatness.  Our young people, against the odds, are learning the importance of lovingly embracing each and every one of their compatriots.  

Hope for the future is a glorious sight to behold.  Being part of that change is a gift.  Let us begin now.

Making America Great Again is Scary for Some

“Those who don’t know history are doomed to repeat it.” ― Edmund Burke

I do not think America should want to be great again because "again" includes native populations being decimated by disease and then being forced off their land by invaders with superior weapons, the same populations being sterilized without permission, the Tuskegee Experiment, shaming victims of sexual assault, hunting animals into extinction, Jim Crow laws and a multitude of hate groups, considering spousal and child abuse to be private family business, being slow to address the HIV infection because marginalized populations died first, polluting the environment, the Cold War, not everyone being able to vote, not really believing all humans were created equal, unequal access to education, healthcare, jobs, and housing, bombings, anger, frustration, division, global warming, race lines, class lines, religious persecution, internment camps, talk of building a wall, xenophobia, having deep and emotional scars from seeing how poorly humans can treat each other and so many other things not popping into my mind at this time.

Nostalgia is dangerous if it prevents a forward progression.  America is on the right path but it can do better.  It is wonderful to invite the huddled masses yearning to breathe free to your nation's shores, but the open invitation must be extended to every woman, man, and child.  I think many Americans like to think back to the "glory days" when this country liked to present itself as a wealthy, business-savvy world power which was at the forefront of scientific discovery as well as the leader of the free world.  This was a facade which tried to negate the pain and suffering of so many Americans who were being failed daily.  I am not the only one who would NEVER want to go back to ANY time in America's history.  And that fact must be acknowledged.  .

Do not get me wrong.  No country founded and governed by imperfect people will ever be a perfect place.  I am not asking for that type of nirvana.  I am asking this nation to keep it real.  It takes a village to raise a nation to progressively higher levels of greatness.  Giving voice to the differing points of view about what is good to keep and what has to be thrown out immediately will keep us all on our toes, inspiring America to become a place where there is liberty and justice for all.    

The Best Fruit of Hard Labor

What do people get for all their hard work under the sun?  (Ecclesiastes 1:3 NLT)

This is a question to be pondered day and night.  What fruits of hard labor are you expecting to reap? 

I understand how learning to pour great effort into completing a task teaches one the value of discipline as well as perseverance.  There is nothing wrong with being able to support your family, even better if you also can afford pleasant things and exciting adventures.  Accolades and status should come to those who consistently get the job done with stellar results.  Each one of us knows the list of benefits arising from hard, honest work is long and varied.  

Yet, I wonder if our desire to work so hard is a bit self-serving.  Many of us take care of ourselves and our own without much thought for what our neighbors require.  We do things like volunteer, give away used things to the poor, or donate money to children starving in poor countries.  But we work like our lives depend on it because in this society money is power unfortunately.  The idea of "he who dies with the most toys wins" is not a joke, but a curse dampening the spirit of cooperation.  

Do not act like I am an alarmist screaming about the sky falling.  When is the last time you gave away your car to a single mother who needed it to get to work more easily?  And I have never told a homeless man you can live in my home until you get back on your feet.  Finding the fortitude to participate in bold acts of kindness requires a leap of faith.  You must believe God will allow even greater blessings to flow into your life as you let possessions leave your hands.  

A radical change in attitude is needed to help us embrace the greater purpose of working hard to sow love even when it is very inconvenient to do so.  You and I must acknowledge that the best fruit reaped from our hard labor is the transformation our nation into heaven on earth.  Let us start with small tasks until we can become fully committed to our new job of securing a bright future for every child.

Invest in the Future

The LORD will make you the head, not the tail.  If you pay attention to the commands of the LORD your God that I give you this day and carefully follow them, you will always be at the top, never at the bottom.  (Deuteronomy 28:13)

"The most important one,” answered Jesus, "is this: ‘Hear, O Israel: The Lord our God, the Lord is one.  Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength.  The second is this: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’  There is no commandment greater than these.”  (Mark 12:29-31)

We are flawed humans, never really giving EVERYTHING.  Still, we can start with acknowledging there is only one God.  The next step is to pour our energy into making sure every action, thought, dream, and ambition is about helping anyone and everyone we meet.  That is how one cares for neighbors.  His grace allows these imperfect acts of kindness to be counted as perfect love.  

As we reflect His goodness, we become the head.  A good leader starts with his family and expands this influence until she can show the world the path to greatness.  Americans and America will be at the top, not to lord over everyone, but to be an example of obtaining excellence through service to The Lord.

A wise woman or man will leave an inheritance for future generations.  We can leave our children's children a nation that is strong, fruitful, and full of honorable citizens who are proud to be Americans.  

No More Terror

Deliver me from my enemies, O God; be my fortress against those who are attacking me.  (Psalm 59:1)

America is without question in the crosshairs of terrorist groups.  The threat may come from within or outside our borders.  The perpetrator of such sickening violence does not have be a nefarious agent who comes to our country wreak havoc.  People born right here in the USA have fallen under the influence of malignant propaganda from hate groups.  

Our government and law enforcement agencies work hard, behind the scenes without enough praise, to protect us from the ever-present threat.  We still are not safe; an attack could occur anywhere including a house of worship, a peace rally, the workplace, a dance club, an airplane, or the Pentagon.  It is not unreasonable to be anxious and afraid.  Terrorists are planning even more brazen and painful assaults at this moment.  

Call out to God for help.  He produces results in a heavenly realm beyond our human understanding or capabilities.  Our enemies may land some blows but America will be delivered from any serious harm.  Foes will launch relentless attacks only to see our God absorb the fury.  While the reign of terror burns itself out, it will not rain upon those residing inside this awesome fortress.  Americans can feel safe and find rest despite the storms brewing around us.  (I pray every single person have this peace because the entire world is under siege.)  

Let fear be the first enemy to fall.  How could we be afraid when God promises to deliver us?  This leap of faith will allow us to embrace our Muslim neighbors, friends, and soldiers who fight on the front lines against terrorism.  We will vet new Muslim immigrants thoroughly, without ever being inhumane.  Better yet, each one of us could avoid any hate group which preys upon our greatest fears.    

Raise up Your Voice

“You are the light of the world—like a city on a hilltop that cannot be hidden.  (Matthew 5:14) 

America prides itself for being the leader of the free world.  This nation may have fallen short when reaching for the dream of providing liberty and justice for all.  But that desire to obtain greatness remains strong in our collective consciousness.  The world sees this and watches to see what we will do next. 

Yes, we value freedom of speech.  The people who loudly encourage xenophobia, picking a fight, and a lack of tolerance for diversity should not be silenced.  Anyone who thinks it is OK to hurl petty insults instead of engaging in polite debate can feel free to waste his breath.  Speeches filled with fear-mongering and outright hate will not be censored.  Yet, there is no reason why these unpleasant voices cannot be drowned out by talk about how America is going to live up to its potential.  The majority wins in a democracy.  Let more of us boldly speak up, rejecting all unproductive and divisive behavior.

It is time to get our house in order. 

Grow in Maturity

I urge, then, first of all, that petitions, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for all people— ² for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness. ³ This is good, and pleases God our Savior, ⁴ who wants all people to be saved and to come to a knowledge of the truth. (1 Timothy 1:1-4)

Please God and see the blessings flow.  The challenge is to be a less self-centered and more loving.  We must pray for ALL people.  Then, we must commit to being nice to someone who is different from us, to helping someone who does not hold our same beliefs, and to offering a kind word to the person who is unpleasant to us.  This will stretch us and help everyone involved, especially disagreeable neighbors, to grow up.  Imagine a nation filled with such positive, mature citizens.  The final step is to ask God, every day, to help our leaders govern us with wisdom and generosity.  When our elected officials behave like mature public SERVANTS, America truly will be a peaceful and quiet place to live.  

In God We Trust: Right Action

Many devout Americans entreated the Secretary of the Treasury to put “In God We Trust” on coins during the Civil War.  They knew what needed to be done. 

"This is what the LORD Almighty said: 'Administer true justice; show mercy and compassion to one another.  (Zechariah 7:9)

The battle to end slavery was just.  A people who had endured unspeakable acts of cruelty and savagery for centuries would be set free.  These believers looked to God for protection and guidance in times of great turmoil.  These true Americans stood on His promises.  God did not fail them or abandon them as they risked life and limb to help their fellow countrymen.  As our republic continues to stand, their faith rightly remains etched on our coins to this day.

Seek God and Prosper

Now the Lord is the Spirit; and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is liberty. (2 Corinthians 3:17 NKJV)

Our Pledge of Allegiance encourages us to support the United States of America.  It talks of an indivisible nation which provides liberty and justice for all. The only way to reach this ideal is to be one nation under God.  When the Spirit of the Lord dwells inside each one of us, every citizen will find the freedom to prosper.  Our actions, thoughts, and desires will reflect His goodness.  We will all fight to ensure there is always liberty and justice for all.