Christian Living

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Larry Lilly's Letter Monday April 24, 2006

My good friend, Austin Bennett, sent a very insightful quote the other day that just will not get out of the old brain, so I refuse to hold good things in my brain which I think I should share with you.

"The upward course of a nation's history is due in the long run to the soundness of heart of its average men and women."

You would of course think the above statement comes from a man or woman who clawed their way from abject poverty to the top of some field and is celebrating the virtues of the 'common man.' Such is not the case.

In our quote we have the acknowledgement by 'royalty' of the absolute importance of the of the virtue of the man and woman in the humble homes of a nation, men and women who are citizens of integrity, of courage and of commitment to what they believe in their heart of hearts to be a superior way of life.

Elizabeth 11, reigning Queen of England made today's statement. In spite of her royal stature, in spite of the enormous personal pain of her life, she carries herself well under pressure. And she recognizes the true power of her Empire, the people. Adam Smith had it: "The wealth of nations is the wealth of its people." True wealth is the inner character of a nation's people else Monaco or Bahrain would rule the world!

I agree with her statement and that's one reason among many that I decry the tearing down of our moral fiber as a nation. It is next to impossible to find a program on television that does not in some way demean the American dream. Have you noticed TV and other media programs with an 'in your face' attitude of contempt in regard the virtues that contribute to the greatness of our nation, actually to Western Civilization as a whole?

The courage of our men and women in uniform fighting at the command of our leader around the world testifies to their soundness of heart in matters of war. But, what of the rest of us who make up the citizenry of the country? What about our courage or lack thereof to stand for the right in the daily grind of life. While so many are ranting and raving about our immigration laws, or in reality the lack of true ones, how many Americans are breaking their necks, risking their lives to cross over and live in Mexico. I know of none, except a few who are on the lam?

True soundness of heart comes from submission to the Word of the Lord, to the principles taught therein. For the first time in our history as a nation, we the people, have in toto, wandered away from the time tested truth that contributed to our great character.

Perhaps it is past time to join in a chorus and sing from our hearts, "I've wandered far away from God, now I'm coming home."

Larry Lilly Copyright © 2006 Use with credit.

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