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.

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.

Lack Nothing

The LORD is my shepherd, I lack nothing. (Psalm 23:1)

The Lord could be the king that guides our leaders to help us walk a path of integrity so that our children can have a bright future.  We truly would lack nothing if we could leave them a legacy of peace, justice, prosperity, health, wisdom, and joy.  We will not be spared difficulty or bad times.  The Lord still requires us to meditate on his Word day and night.  It is the only way He can shepherd us toward victory. We can see America shining from sea to sea.