A Call for Prayer for this Nation-Day Eighteen
Yesterday, "evil" had a "hearing." Today, "goodness" will hold sway! Alexis de Tocqueville is often quoted by many who highlight his declaration: "America is great because she is good. If America ceases to be good, she will cease to be great."
Mr. de Tocqueville traveled to America in the 1830s because he wanted to observe first hand, this fledging democracy that had taken on and emerged victorious over, and independent from the mighty British Empire, this land whose leaders espoused their "quaint" notion of "life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness," as a right of citizens.
I wonder if Mr. Tocqueville will see much "goodness" in present day America. Would he see any leaders worthy of carrying even the muskets of the Founding Fathers? Not so much. So where if not in the political class, can one seek and find goodness? I can begin with a story that I read about last evening.
Marilyn Mock was featured in a story in which she was described as the "Foreclosure Angel." It turns out that while the "full might" of the US goverment was behind the mega billion dollar bailout, (bingo for businesses), Mrs. Mock was bailing out a fellow citizen who had lost her home, by buying the home at auction. She worked out a deal with the former owner where the owner could live in the house, instead of being thrown to the curb, and make monthly payments to Mrs. Mock. Her gesture was described as a "random act of kindness." When questioned about her motives, Mrs. Mock simply stated: "People need to help each other, and that's all there is to it."
Personally, I could write a book about the "deliberate acts of kindness" of which I have been the grateful recipient. Actually, I will be writing about those acts of kindness, generosity and love, performed by my "angels wearing earthly apparel." I could very well have been pushing around a shopping cart with my earthly belongings had not many of my angels stepped in. Instead, here I am, living testimony of the "goodness" of America.
So, will this country "live down" to another observation of Mr. Tocqueville? He also stated: "Democracy and socialism have nothing in common but one word, equality. But notice the difference: while democracy seeks equality in liberty, socialism seeks equality in restraint and servitude."
After 11/4/08, will we remain united in equality of liberty, or will we be united in restraint and servitude, instead of continuing "with liberty and justice for all?"
As usual, I look in the greatest lyrical and poetic work ever written, for inspiration and real hope.
Mr. de Tocqueville traveled to America in the 1830s because he wanted to observe first hand, this fledging democracy that had taken on and emerged victorious over, and independent from the mighty British Empire, this land whose leaders espoused their "quaint" notion of "life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness," as a right of citizens.
I wonder if Mr. Tocqueville will see much "goodness" in present day America. Would he see any leaders worthy of carrying even the muskets of the Founding Fathers? Not so much. So where if not in the political class, can one seek and find goodness? I can begin with a story that I read about last evening.
Marilyn Mock was featured in a story in which she was described as the "Foreclosure Angel." It turns out that while the "full might" of the US goverment was behind the mega billion dollar bailout, (bingo for businesses), Mrs. Mock was bailing out a fellow citizen who had lost her home, by buying the home at auction. She worked out a deal with the former owner where the owner could live in the house, instead of being thrown to the curb, and make monthly payments to Mrs. Mock. Her gesture was described as a "random act of kindness." When questioned about her motives, Mrs. Mock simply stated: "People need to help each other, and that's all there is to it."
Personally, I could write a book about the "deliberate acts of kindness" of which I have been the grateful recipient. Actually, I will be writing about those acts of kindness, generosity and love, performed by my "angels wearing earthly apparel." I could very well have been pushing around a shopping cart with my earthly belongings had not many of my angels stepped in. Instead, here I am, living testimony of the "goodness" of America.
So, will this country "live down" to another observation of Mr. Tocqueville? He also stated: "Democracy and socialism have nothing in common but one word, equality. But notice the difference: while democracy seeks equality in liberty, socialism seeks equality in restraint and servitude."
After 11/4/08, will we remain united in equality of liberty, or will we be united in restraint and servitude, instead of continuing "with liberty and justice for all?"
As usual, I look in the greatest lyrical and poetic work ever written, for inspiration and real hope.
Ephesians 5:9
9 For the fruit of the Spirit is in all goodness and righteousness and truth
Psalm 23:6
6 Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of the LORD for ever.
Psalm 25:8
8 Good and upright is the LORD: therefore will he teach sinners in the way.
Psalm 37:23
23 The steps of a good man are ordered by the LORD: and he delighteth in his way.
Proverbs 13:21
21 Evil pursueth sinners: but to the righteous good shall be repayed.
Romans 15:14
14 And I myself also am persuaded of you, my brethren, that ye also are full of goodness, filled with all knowledge, able also to admonish one another.
Job 34:4
4 Let us choose to us judgment: let us know among ourselves what is good.
There you have it. God lays out a roadmap for us to achieve goodness in loving Him and loving one another.
Comments