Democracy

Lincoln Memorial, Washington DC, Author Gregory Maxwell (GFDL 1.2 only)

“With malice toward none, with charity for all, with firmness in the right as God gives us to see the right, let us strive on to finish the work we are in, to bind the nation’s wounds, to care for him who shall have borne the battle and for his widow and his orphan, to do all which may achieve and cherish a just and lasting peace among ourselves and with all nations.”

Abraham Lincoln, Second Inaugural Address, 1865

We celebrate America’s birthday each year. But parades and fireworks are not enough. Democracy must be implemented on a daily basis — something our legislators appear to have forgotten.

This land we love is far from perfect. Children still grow up in poverty. Money, fame, and the color of a man’s skin still shape events. As Americans, lawyers, and most especially Christians, our job is to fight for justice and equality despite these challenges.

The battle is hardly theoretical. Lives hang in the balance.

And the world is watching. The threats against us, the hatred America can evoke, is in no small degree due to the fact that we stand for democracy, even if imperfectly achieved. Our measure is at this moment being taken by those who would harm us.

“Therefore thus says the Lord God… ‘Also I will make justice the measuring line, and righteousness the plummet…’ ” (Is. 28: 16-17).

Lord God, You established justice and righteousness as a nation’s plumb line. We look to Your Son, Jesus, as we strive toward that goal.

We ask for Your guidance and Your blessings. We ask for Your protection for our loved ones, our troops, and our nation. May Your hand be upon us.

Amen

READERS CAN FIND MY VIEWS ON ABUSE AND ABUSE-RELATED ISSUES AT ANNA WALDHERR A Voice Reclaimed, Surviving Child Abuse  http://www.avoicereclaimed