One Hundred Fifty-nine years ago, on this date, November 19, in 1863, President Abraham Lincoln stood on the bloodied ground of Gettysburg, Pennsylvania, and delivered a brief, but memorable address of national unity. Many, reading this essay, have vivid memories of having to memorize the speech, maybe when you were in the eighth grade. For me, memorization was never fun!
While the address was given 159 years ago, there are elements of Lincoln’s words that are relevant today. Throughout the Bible there are multiple references to the clash between the forces of good and evil; Adam and Eve in The Garden, David and Goliath, Jesus in the wilderness, etc. I venture to say that where good exists, evil will be lurking around the corner to cast truth in the shade of darkness.
The Battle of Gettysburg is but one example from our “modern-day” history, but there have been countless times within our life time where evil seemingly persists, distorting reality, and redefining truth in light of ego and selfish aspirations. All of these forces seem to raise the question, is God still in it? Is, “In God We Trust”, an outdated motto, or do we believe it?
Let me cast a little light on the shade that some would give the motto that came with the founding of this blessed nation. Out motto does not say, “In God we trust if the “right political faction is in power.” No, it says clearly and emphatically, “In God we Trust.” No “ifs”, no maybes, or sometimes, we trust in God ALL the time. God bless those brilliant patriots who founded our nation, and brought our Creator God into the fabric of these United States. Amen.
For What It’s Worth.
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