Category: Inspiring

Making America Great Again

There used to be a time when Americans were incredibly united, despite their differences. They spoke different languages, came from various civilizations, and followed different religions. Yet, millions of Americans put their hand on their heart and recited the Pledge of Allegiance. The American flag was flown daily across the country, on buildings and cars, as if it were the 4th of July everywhere. Singing “The Star-Spangled Banner” was a patriotic act that everyone participated in, even if they stumbled over the words. Singing “God Bless America” was also a unifying act that made other countries envious, as they weren’t able to sing for their country without suspicion. It was a time when only freedom could work such miracles, and it was freedom that held the nation together.

Today, amidst all the divisiveness, we need to bring back a renewed spirit of togetherness. We must pledge to stand together in moments of uncertainty and bring back the kind of strength that America is all about. We have faced the world as one nation through many experiences and tragedies, such as Pearl Harbor, the Kennedy assassination, Oklahoma City, 9-11, WWI and WWII, and each time we have rallied together in fierce resolve. It’s the spirit of America that spreads across the country and brings a sense of solidarity from countries around the world. Americans coming together is the key to make America great again.

We are that shiny beacon that the entire world sees and the best hope for civility and freedom for others to strive for. Our fundamental rights, such as freedom of speech, peaceful assembly, petitioning our government, traveling without restrictions, marrying whomever we love, and controlling our own fate and body, are what define us as a nation. We must stand up against tyranny like our forefathers before us and show the world that we are America, braver and still free.

National character is an elusive and suspect notion, but Americans have a way of rallying in the face of social and political injustice that is sweeping our nation. We need to stand up with even louder determination and pledge to stand together in moments of uncertainty. We may face challenges, but as Americans, we have always risen to the challenge when faced against all odds. It won’t be easy, fast, or simple, but that is not our American heritage. For we are and always will be Americans.

EASTER MESSAGE 2023

Although there are many religions throughout the world, the majority believe in God and Jesus. Easter is a time of reflection on what was sacrificed to preserve the human race, and I would like to remind you of the true meaning of Easter.

Easter is the celebration of Jesus’ resurrection from the dead. Jesus died on the cross to take away the sins of the world. While many men died on crosses because of Roman punishment, those men weren’t saviors for the world. They suffered as Jesus did and were buried, often in mass graves. So although the cross is essential, it can’t be the end of the story. There must be Easter – when Jesus came back to life. He is the only man in history who rose from the dead and never died again. Others like Lazarus were raised from the dead by Jesus but died again at some point.
Only Jesus rose from the tomb and ascended into heaven to sit at the right hand of God the Father. While two other men in history disappeared without death, Enoch and Elijah, they don’t sit on the throne as the second person of the Trinity. That’s why Jesus is so awesome.
Although Easter may not have as many blessings and traditions as Christmas, there are more than ample references in Scripture to the event of what we have named “Easter.” The word “Easter” is not used in Scripture but seems to have its roots referring to the beginning of spring and possibly referring to a goddess named “Eostre.” However, there is no universal agreement among scholars regarding the first usage of the word.
What is important is that Jesus has risen. In fact, the primary tradition of Easter, which we can call a kind of blessing, is when we greet each other with “He is risen!” Then the other person responds, “He is risen indeed!” Although nobody actually saw him rise, based on Mark 16:6 when the angel greeted the three women at the tomb, saying, “Do not be alarmed. You seek Jesus of Nazareth, who was crucified. He has risen, he is not here. See the place where they laid him.” Of course, when they “saw” the place, Jesus wasn’t there! Unlike those women who initially didn’t tell anyone what they experienced because they were afraid (Mark 16), we enthusiastically exclaim, “He is risen!”
Father God, I am filled with gratitude and awe thinking of your Son’s sacrifice on Good Friday and His power on Easter. There really aren’t any words sufficient to describe the significance of what the resurrection means. But I offer my gratitude because I acknowledge I have been set free from the bondage of sin and eternal death.
Your power is available to me to resist sin, and I have your assurance that I will join you forever in heaven. My joy and peace overflow. Thank you for reminding me that the power that raised Jesus from the dead is the same power I have available to me to live a godly life. Thank you for receiving my praise and thanksgiving. I offer them sincerely and gladly.
 I pray to you God in Jesus’ name
My Brother in Christ.
AMEN