TWO DAYS LATER

Two days ago we had dramatic flashes of light in the night sky to excite and nourish our eyes, hot dogs and BBQ to fill our bellies, and patriotic speeches and music to please our ears and inspire our hearts. But, what about today? What have we done to make a better place here in our country or help our neighbors? Don’t let the fire of the fourth flicker out to a smoldering ember, not bright enough to do any good, just hot enough to burn a tiny hole in our civil responsibility mantle we put on once a year in which to parade around through town. Freedom and democracy do not come to the lazy and silent. From those who would prefer to stay out of the daily work of citizenship, that same freedom and democracy can be chipped at until it withers away so gradually we don’t even know it’s dying. Continue to be a watcher on the wall, guarding your family and community from those who would like to destroy our society. Let us pray that God will continue to bless our country and give us the courage and energy to stand up for our beliefs.

“Our Father, God, we praise your holy name. We pray that you will continue to make your home in our hearts so that we may see truth around us and deceit when it rears its head. We ask this very day that you will bless our country and allow us to be a blessing to others. Let the world see that freedom and democracy are ideals to be sought after and fought for. Calm this anxious world and bring peace to the hearts of all your people. Give us the courage to stand up for you and your promise of love and freedom for everyone. Let us not seek for an easy way to heal the hurts of our brothers and sisters by throwing money in their path. But, let us have the strength to walk with them as they pull themselves above their circumstances, and hopefully, even above our own. That is true love, to pray that our neighbors and even those who are outside our safe neighborhood may become the very best people they can and receive all the blessings you can possibly bestow on them, to your glory. Forgive us when we help people just enough, but not so much they are elevated above our position in the world. Let your love and light shine brightly on all your children so that you may receive praise and honor and glory from every corner of the world. In the name of your son, Jesus Christ, we pray. Amen.”
Doris

“Copyright 2009 Doris Gaines Rapp, Ph.D.
“God gives us stories that testify to his love. Let me tell you mine.”