Oct 13, 2006 |
by Annette Bridges. © 2006. All rights reserved.
I saw this question on a Gallup Tuesday Briefing recently and wondered how many future generations will ask such a question. For over thirty years, Gallup polls have asked Americans their views on the need for war, whether Americans saw war as an outmoded option or as sometimes necessary. I found it interesting, but not surprising, that American viewpoints on the necessity of war changed significantly post 9/11.
It was June 1971, when Gallup first polled Americans on war as a necessary means to resolve conflict and settle differences between nations. At that time when the number of American deaths in Vietnam had surpassed 50,000 and antiwar sentiments where high, 46% of Americans believed war was an outmoded solution while 44% believed war is sometimes necessary.
Against the backdrop of war in Iraq and an ongoing military campaign against terrorism, a recent Gallup poll indicated 24% of Americans felt war is outdated while 73% thought war is sometimes necessary.
What does this change of opinion say about the pulse of America? That Americans are struggling with a loss of hope? That we, individually, feel helpless and powerless? That we believe peace in the world now seems beyond the realm of possibilities? That we fear the war against terrorism is going to be a long and uncertain battle? That we have concluded military action will continue to be inevitable?
Maybe these latest stats speak to a war that is being fought here at home. And I don’t mean the threat against the security of our homeland. I’m talking about the war to crush the American spirit. The siege to conquer our hope, optimism, and faith. How do we fight this enemy?
Suppose every prayer, blessing, kind word or good deed, wears away unjust political, racial, social, economic and geographical distinctions. Suppose every time we replace deceit with honesty, hatred with love, or apathy with compassion, we make way for freedom and brotherhood. And in so doing we combat the enemy that lurks from within our borders and our hearts.
My daughter recently completed an internship at a US Congressman’s office. A lesson she left with was every individual can make a difference. One instance in particular seemed hopeless. But the situation was resolved because hundreds of people made the effort to let their voices be heard. The situation could have been described as unjust and yet because of hundreds of compassionate actions and words, the unjust was changed to what was just and fair. The words of anthropologist Margaret Mead rang loud and true: “Never doubt that the work of a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world. Indeed, it is the only thing that ever has.”
September 11, 2001 resulted in many changes in opinions and actions. Some of these changes were short-lived and some have lingered. Sadly, some really good changes are among those that didn’t last. Remember those first few days following 9/11? When knees were bent. When we wept for people we didn’t know. When we sent money to folks we’ve never seen. When Republicans stood next to Democrats. When news headlines shifted from scandals and sports to families and the future of the world. Some journalists called the changes the “new normal.” We were reminded that the enemy is not each other. Have we forgotten?
An author who lived through the civil war of these United States and also overcome many conflicts in her own life, Mary Baker Eddy, wrote, “No greater hope have we than in right thinking and right acting, and faith in the blessing of fidelity, courage, patience and grace.” While I don’t make the decision for our country as to whether or not war is necessary, I can answer that question for my own life. And as my daughter learned, there is power in each individual, each one of us. Power that results in change. How I think and act can make a difference.
So, in pondering the necessity of war, I’m looking within. If peace begins with me, how about it? Is there peace or is there war? In my marriage? In my family? In my neighborhood? In my church? In my job? And if there is war, perhaps I need to ask myself, is it necessary? Is there another way to act or resolve any conflict?
Maybe peace does begin with each of us. Maybe we do have the power to change the world. Maybe that’s how the world is changed – individual upon individual, family upon family, and so forth. Maybe there is hope for peace in the world and we can have faith in our hope.
Oct 13, 2006 |
by Annette Bridges. © 2006. All rights reserved.
“The supreme purpose of history is a better world,” spoke former President, Herbert Hoover. If this is true, what happens when history is not recorded correctly or if we stop studying history? How can lessons be learned from the past that lead us toward a better world without study of uncompromised narratives of those lessons?
We’re living in an age when making informed decisions is of paramount importance. The months ahead are no exception. How to stabilize Iraq? How to continue to effectively fight the war on terrorism at home and abroad? And Americans continue to move closer to making the decision of whether to re-elect their current President or elect a new one.
Can an understanding of our history help us make present and future decisions?
In a recent interview with historian David McCullough, The Christian Science Monitor provided some startling information about American’s lack of historic knowledge. (“Not yet forgotten, the ‘greatest generation’ finally set in stone,” May 27, 2004) In fact, historians say that knowledge of the past has always been a weak area for Americans and asserted that such lapses are dangerous. McCullough said, “If people don’t know who we are or how we got to where we are at what cost or struggle, then they are going to place much less value on it all.” My concern is that without valuing knowledge of our past and the lessons it has taught us, how can we keep from repeating the same lessons and at what cost? How do we make progress?
This same article spoke of history being rewritten in textbooks that are leaving out important contexts for events or that are placing an emphasis on select aspects of historic accounts that shifts thought away from understanding the big picture. This type of biased recording of history could make true British author, CK Chesterton’s words, “We can be almost certain of being wrong about the future, if we are wrong about the past.”
What if the study of history was no longer part of the education of young Americans? I was stunned to learn that none of the top 50 U.S. colleges or universities now requires American history to graduate. How can the next generation of leaders be prepared to make wise decisions that not only impact the future of America but impact all of humanity, without a solid knowledge of our history?
Of course, I do believe a better world requires more than history recorded accurately and its study. I agree that lessons learned from our past, influences decisions we make today and tomorrow. Each step we take can be a building block to a secure future. Even when we think we have made a mistake. Mary Baker Eddy, a woman whose own history speaks to many people today about breaking through seemingly impossible barriers, offers this promise: “Experience is the victor, never the vanquished; and out of defeat comes the secret of victory. That to-morrow starts from to-day and is one day beyond it, robes the future with hope’s rainbow hues.”
But I think we also need a vision for the future. Eddy advises, “When the destination is desirable, expectation speeds our progress.” Perhaps expectation is required to keep us moving forward, no matter how slow we must walk in order to reach our desired destination. Expectation helps us maintain confidence and confidence keeps us from retracing our steps. I’m not sure knowledge of our history alone would be sufficient.
And what is the desired destination for our world? What constitutes a better world?
In writing The Declaration of Independence, our forefathers perhaps have given the best answers for all times and for all peoples. Not outlining democracy as an end destination, but as ideals to be continuously perfected, practiced and implemented:
A world that believes all men and women are created equal.
A world that asserts all people are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of happiness.
A world where governments are instituted among men and women, deriving their just powers from the consent of the governed.
But even our founding fathers didn’t think of everything. Certainly, the Constitution of the United States and The Bill of Rights has continued to be amended throughout our 228 year history.
Our history came with a great price. Let us not forget that price or the future may cost us more than we can afford. Yet, as I reflect on each milestone of progress the United States has struggled to achieve, I suddenly have much greater patience and expectation of a brighter tomorrow for us, Iraq, and other peoples of the world. Thanks to the history of America, I see the promise of a better world.
Oct 13, 2006 |
As I sit in front of my television watching President Reagan’s flag-draped coffin being lifted into an airplane, I am swept back thirty-five years ago to when my dad’s flag-draped coffin was carried. At the time of my dad’s passing, he had spent almost half of his short life in military service.
Some may wonder why we’re having all the pomp and circumstance surrounding the death of our 40th president. But I think it’s a good thing. It’s reminding me of the high calling of the presidency – the selfless responsibilities of that office. As I reflect on the service of President Reagan to this country, I am in awe that a successful businessman and actor such as he would want to devote the latter years of his life in government leadership. Especially in a job that is frequently ridiculed and often unappreciated.
I love how Jeanne Kirkpatrick, his national security adviser, once summed him up. “Ronald Wilson Reagan, 40th president of the United States, believed the American dream because he has lived it.”
President Reagan was also a father. He expressed his beliefs in family values during his presidency. However, the reality of his father-children relationship was not a perfect one.
This also describes my relationship with my dad. I had a short time with my dad as he passed away when I was only 10 years old; about a year after my mom divorced him. I’ve spent most of the past thirty-five years remembering the not-so-perfect things about my dad. As I sit here reflecting on the contributions of President Reagan to this country and the world, I am being pushed to give pause to my dad. Maybe it’s time I give my dad his due.
Desmond Tutu said about family, “You don’t choose your family. They are God’s gift to you, as you are to them.” Honestly, I’ve not thought about my dad as a gift from God to me. Sad and unhappy memories have too long blurred my mind from recognizing how my dad contributed to who I am today. Even difficult experiences teach us, shape us and often transform us and help direct us to a better road for our life journey. Or even what we might think of as a bad example points us unintentionally in the direction to look for a good model.
I recently read one of those cute little gift books called “For Father with Love” that my daughter gave to my husband years ago. I noted some of the many honors being attributed to dads such as how dads teach us about the world and our place in it. How dads help us with the choices we make. Impart their values. Encourage us to be our own person. To be bold. Trust our intuition. Be confident of our abilities. How dads teach us right from wrong. This little book also noted that often their guidance is indirect, too.
My dad has had an indirect impact on my life choices, decisions, and values, even though he has not been a present role model for most of my life. And I do have fond memories. I just hadn’t given them thought in a long time. I love how he always wore a hat. He loved to cook. He taught me a song we often sang together when driving in the car. He bought me my first baritone uke. He let me help him mix concrete when he was building a brick wall around our patio. And I loved to be in his arms watching TV. I always felt safe and loved.
The course of our lives are influenced by values we embrace, ideas we learn, people we interact with, and the many experiences that teach us lessons impelling us to make progress and grow. And our lives are shaped by those we elect to lead our nation.
Today, I honor my dad and what I’ve learned directly and indirectly from him being part of my life journey.
But today I also honor each and every president of the United States of America; past, present and yet to come. And I share the sentiments expressed by Mary Baker Eddy in a tribute she wrote about President McKinley at his passing. “She (our nation) stops to think, to mourn, yea, to pray, that the God of harvests send her more laborers, who, while they work for their own country, shall sacredly regard the liberty of other peoples and the rights of man.” Thank you, President Reagan, for being one of these laborers.
Oct 13, 2006 |
by Annette Bridges. ©2006. All rights reserved.
Service to this country through the armed forces has long been a choice made by many members of my family – my dad, two of my brothers, my uncle (who lost a leg in WWII), my father-in-law and currently, my son-in-law. I have great respect, admiration and gratitude for all who have made the choice to protect and preserve peace and freedom for all mankind.
Recently, I was humbled to learn about Pat Tillman’s choice to give up a lucrative football career to become an Army Ranger. His ultimate sacrifice has caused me to think about the purpose of Memorial Day, Veteran’s Day or Armed Forces Day. Why do we build monuments or designate days of honor?
Perhaps we need reminders of important events and people that have taught us invaluable lessons. Perhaps commemorating honorable acts encourages us to live that way in our daily activities.
For my family, Memorial Day has been a celebration of the end of the school year, completion of another year of dance lessons and the beginning of summer vacation. Honestly, I didn’t know the history of Memorial Day until doing an internet search.
Memorial Day was officially proclaimed in 1868 when flowers were placed on the graves of Union and Confederate soldiers at Arlington National Cemetery. It wasn’t until after WWI that the day was changed to honor all American soldiers who died. More recently in 2000, the National Moment of Remembrance resolution was passed to remind Americans of the true meaning of Memorial Day.
So, I’m taking a moment now to remember the courage and sacrifice of the United States military. Soldiers and their families make enormous sacrifices for the security of our nation and freedom throughout the world. I’m proud and grateful of the few that chose this path.
Mary Baker Eddy, a 19th century author and spiritual thinker who devoted her life to the service of helping those who sought healing and freedom from illness, made this profound statement: “The character and lives of men determine the peace, prosperity and life of nations.” As I appreciate the dedication and selfless commitment of these individuals, I consider how the choices I make in life impact others – my family, my community, and consequently, my nation. Perhaps we do all have a role in the peace, prosperity and life of our nation. Or at least some part of it.
I have a choice in what I think, what I believe, how I perceive, how I interpret. These choices result in a response, action, decision, and conclusion. They make me who I am. Maybe I make a difference in the world, in my country, by how I live my life.
President John F. Kennedy’s famous call to service comes to mind when he declared, “Ask not what your country can do for you, but what you can do for your country.”
Some of us will serve our country in military duty.
Some of us will serve our country in volunteerism and community service.
Some of us will serve our country in government leadership.
But all of us serve our country by our character and lives. We have choices to make. Let’s make good ones.
Oct 13, 2006 |
by Annette Bridges. © 2006. All rights reserved.
What if I told you that one of the smallest of God’s creatures knew the secrets to being successful? Can you guess what critter I’m referring to? The Bible has the answer in Proverbs.
“Go to the ant, thou sluggard; consider her ways and be wise.” (Proverbs 6:6)
Maybe you desire to be more productive in your work or perhaps you’re a new graduate poised to begin your career? Maybe you’re feeling overwhelmed, frustrated, bored or afraid to take the necessary steps?
For instance, I’ve been lacking the motivation to finish a remodeling project on our house. Even though the desire to see the goal accomplished should be sufficient stimulus. I seem to be daunted by the enormity of the task at hand. So much so that I’m stuck in idle and going nowhere.
When I’m having a problem, my general practice is to look for inspiration and insight. That usually means exploring spiritual ideas and the Bible is a good place to begin. This led me to the book of Proverbs. The verse about the ant reminded me of a poem based on this passage, that I read years ago when I was in college. Listed are some ideas I learned from this poem entitled, “The Ants” by Max Dunaway.
Keep your purpose in the forefront of your thought.
Be expectant, never doubting, as you move toward your goal.
Keep moving; don’t let idleness interfere with your forward progress.
Maintain courage, refuse to give up or give in.
Keep traveling in a straight course; don’t be deterred by obstacles.
Once a task is complete, go immediately to the next task at hand.
Approach each task with zest, energy and enthusiasm.
Be persistent.
Your success needs others to be successful, help your fellow team members to progress, lend a hand and offer support as needed.
Never consider defeat, face each task (even unexpected ones) with confidence and resolve.
Don’t stop till your goal is reached.
Keeping joy in your efforts will make each task light.
To accomplish my remodeling project, this list may need to be duplicated and posted around my house as a motivational reminder. I can certainly see how idleness in the past has stalled my forward momentum. A good dose of expectancy, confidence, resolve and zest should get me moving. How often I forget that maintaining joy speeds my progress. Okay. I’m fueling up to head toward my goal. Guess I also better add the courage needed to take that first step.
Mary Baker Eddy, a woman who in the latter part of her life proved that it’s never too late to accomplish one’s goals, offers reassurance. In an article aptly entitled, “Fidelity”, she wrote, “The conscientious are successful. They follow faithfully; through evil or through good report, they work on to the achievement of good; by patience, they inherit the promise. Be active, and however slow, thy success is sure: toil is triumph; and – thou hast been faithful over a few things.”
So, it is appreciating and emulating the many qualities that an ant exemplifies – such as patience, perseverance and persistence – that will help you climb over those pesky hills called boredom, fear or frustration, and prove that conscientious effort results in success.
