God Bless the Child

Direct your children onto the right path, and when they are older, they will not leave it.  (Proverbs 22:6)

On this day of the first Presidential debate, each American must decide what that "right" path is.  It is time to decide which candidate will help our country take the high road where a thirst for wisdom is developed, a desire to be kind is encouraged, and the hope of unity is realized.  This nation must choose between showing future generations how to love their neighbors or encouraging impressible young minds to adopt a destructive us-versus-them mentality.  

The good choice is abundantly clear but developing integrity is a daunting task.  My father once suggested that children are blank canvases upon which masterpieces can be created.  A child who is valued and encouraged to develop her talents is very likely to flourish, becoming a beautiful sight to see as she becomes a contributing member of her community and this nation.  However, I think children are already masterpieces entrusted to their parents' care; they must be placed lovingly in good light, allowing their magnificence to be in full display.

God is that glorious light which shines brightly and true.  He sets the example of loving everyone at all times and in all situations even it involves some pain or a lot of sacrifice.  We will all fall short of perfection, but it will teach our children, by example, to walk the path where a US an us can be created without finding a them to reject.  Imagine America in the hands of these future leaders who can be trusted wholeheartedly.                

Make it a Family Affair

"Men chained together are brothers."  (Roots)

The Merriam-Webster dictionary defines family as “a group of people united by certain convictions”.  A majority of us take pride in putting our hand to our hearts and proclaiming our loyalty to the UNITED States of America.  We accept the shared responsibility of fighting to maintain the integrity of this nation, fully convinced our republic is worth protecting.  That would make us family, inextricably linked as brothers in arms.  No one in her right mind would stand by watching loved ones starve, be molested, wallow in ignorance, be unjustly hated, wither in the midst of plenty, be slaughtered one by one…  The list of horrific crimes against humanity is obscenely long but you get the point. 
        
Anyone who claims to be in the light but hates a brother or sister is still in the darkness. (1 John 2:9 NIV)  

A true patriot would not condemn America to darkness.  The first step is to seek The Lord by reading his Word.  Emulate his tender compassion for all of humankind.  See our extended family, with new eyes, to your left and your right.  May the glorious revolution arising out of this radical change of attitude be televised. 

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.