Jakin High School -----the year was 1954 and I was in the ninth grade. My dear teacher was Mrs. Dola Mae Evans. Our class was given a chance to enter an essay contest and compete with surrounding county and city schools.
We were told to write at least three typed pages on America, and how we felt about our country compared to other countries. We were to comment on our freedoms, rights and laws compared to other governments.
I can still remember the first few words of my essay: "In the beginning, God created the heavens and earth, so has man created ways and means of building a better America."
Would our students today be able to use a phrase from the Bible in a class essay? Just asking!
We are talking about our forefathers. Men who came up with "In God We Trust." Men who thought it worthwhile to engrave the "Ten Commandments" on areas in Washington, D.C., so our leaders and visitors would be able to read and be reminded.
The problem now is, the "Thou Shalt Not" has no meaning in the hearts and minds of so many Americans.
Let's not forget Independence Day, commonly known as July 4Th or the Fourth of July, commemorates the adoption of the Declaration of Independence of July 4, 1776.
Make this a special day for all families in America. Remember the great sacrifice so many Americans have made for this great country.
I mentioned "prayer" for our country in an article back in April. I did have one comment from someone, who stated: "depending on prayer for eight years under Bush, was what got us in this pickle." Well Sir, I will never give up on prayer.
We need a city-wide revival, with all churches participating the same week with the concentration on "God's blessings upon our country and our leaders." All churches must be re-stimulated in doing God's will.
Is that asking too much? (Dothan Eagle, July 4, 2010)
Posted by SouthernPatriot on July 08, 2010 at 6:09 am
ReplyDeleteJake, you wrote a meaningful and insightful letter. We do have separation of church and state. And I feel that is very important. No organized religion makes or enforces laws on a local, state or federal level. I’m sure there are a few laws written by some energetic individuals which probably should not still be in the books.(It is still illegal to part your horse in front of the court house in Dothan. Ha-Ha) I don’t think you have to worry about the influence of religion in our government and in our elected politicians going away.(Just look at the TV commercials for those running for office in November.) But you’re right about the prayer, our country is in sad shape. We have a federal government trying to sue a state for doing the right thing concerning immigration laws. What happened to States Rights? It’s insane. God bless Jake, and keep those great letters coming in.
George Washington once said, ‘It is impossible to rightly govern a nation without God and the Bible.‘ It’s as true today as it was over 200 years ago.
Posted by SouthernPatriot on July 07, 2010 at 9:06 pm
ReplyDeleteGreat letter Jake, but don’t be surprised if you get some negative comments. Sadly, there are people who have little else to do but belittle religion and its influence on our government and elected officials. But I like your letter, your heart is in the right place.
Abraham Lincoln once said, “Sir, my concern is not whether God is on our side; my greatest concern is to be on God’s side, for God is always right.“