How do we move on after a horrific election cycle where many are discouraged with the outcome? History of the United States strongly indicates resilience to do right, despite imperfect citizens and intense division.
President Ronald Reagan called for a constitutional amendment to permit voluntary vocal prayer in public schools. In his 1984 address, Reagan invoked Benjamin Franklin’s proposal for prayer at the Constitutional Convention in 1787.
When the Constitution was being debated at the Constitutional Convention, Benjamin Franklin stated: “The longer I live, the more convincing proofs I see that God governs in the affairs of men. Without His concurring aid, we shall succeed in this political building no better than the builders of Babel.” He asked: “Have we now forgotten this powerful Friend? Or do we imagine we no longer need His assistance?”
President Lincoln signed the following Resolution on March 30, 1863, two years before the end of the civil war. “Whereas, the Senate of the United States, devoutly recognizing the Supreme Authority and just Government of Almighty God, in all the affairs of men and of nations, has, by a resolution, requested the President to designate and set apart a day for National prayer and humiliation.”
On D-Day, June 6, 1944, President Delano Roosevelt urged the country to follow the direction of his radio address prayer…”Many people have urged that I call the Nation into a single day of special prayer. But because the road is long and the desire is great, I ask that our people devote themselves in a continuance of prayer”…”And, O Lord, give us Faith. Give us Faith in Thee; Faith in our sons; Faith in each other; Faith in our united crusade. Let not the keenness of our spirit ever be dulled. Let not the impacts of temporary events, of temporal matters of but fleeting moment, let not these deter us in our unconquerable purpose.”…”With Thy blessing, we shall prevail over the unholy forces of our enemy. Help us to conquer the apostles of greed and racial arrogancies. Lead us to the saving of our country, and with our sister Nations into a world unity that will spell a sure peace, a peace invulnerable to the schemings of unworthy men. And a peace that will let all of men live in freedom, reaping the just rewards of their honest toil.”
These healthy sentiments cannot be denied as part of our DNA. One would be hard pressed to prove that a loving God did not hear those prayers and answer affirmatively in bringing good to our nation. Will we call on God for His direction, healing and unity? If we do, will we follow His wise direction? History suggests our individual health, as well as that of a community/nation of future generations, rests on our choices.