Faith unites us during tragedy

Published 12:56 am Friday, October 3, 2008

As an American senior citizen speaking out of years of learning and travel in various Western cultures, of living and traveling in an Eastern culture, I am fully persuaded that because our nation was founded under God and the Bible makes us unique, and it’s why we are united now in our tragedy. Our national motto, “In God we trust,” is the declaration of our focus on God that brings us hope. It is a treasure to cherish and renew, to live by and be governed by, and is the reason for our freedom.

Our first president, George Washington, declared, “It is impossible to rightly govern without God and the Bible.” God tells us: “Don’t lie; don’t steal; don’t murder; don’t cheat; don’t worship any other gods; in fact, love the Lord with all your heart and soul and strength; and your neighbor as yourself (paraphrased).” How could a culture not endure – and flourish – when it follows these directives that flow from the heart of God, who is love and truth?

Oh, God of our fathers, forgive us of the sin of going our own way and bring us again to a humble trust in you, through Christ our Lord. Amen