What a Writer Does in Her "Spare" Time

With my burden for our beloved land increasing, I've decided to channel my fear and anger into godly action. You see, a good Christian is also a good citizen according to Romans 13, and that's what I endeavor to be.

So, Saturday, I participated with eight other Roanokers to canvas neighborhoods on behalf of the Republican candidates: Bob McDonnell for Governor, Bill Bolling for Lt. Gov., and Ken Cuccinelli for Attorney General. There are also many others running for various offices, including House of Delegates, one of whom is Bill Cleaveland for the 17th District. I am especially pleased with this since his son, Will, was my very first creative writing student back in the fall of 2006. These are good men who stand for biblical principles.

I am convinced and have been for many years that Christians need to stand up and fight for the principles upon which this great land was founded. As Hudson Taylor, missionary to China, once wrote, "If the enemy can destroy the Christian's passion for America, then he has won the major battle for the soul of this nation." It doesn't take a second look by a thoughtful person to realize that that is exactly what has happened. Swept up in the comforts and blessings that America affords, we have forgotten the God who bestowed those blessings. Our lights have dimmed because, we too, have bought into many of the culture's lies without even realizing it. God says in Hosea 13:6 concerning Israel, "When I fed them, they were satisfied; when they were satisfied, they became proud; then they forgot me." Chilling how well this represents us as American Christians. We are fat and lazy with God's blessings.

Our founding fathers understood that America would only be as great as her reliance upon the one and only true God. Morality rested upon religion as the foundation of the Republic. Without this, they knew we did not stand a chance of survival.

In his farewell address, Sept. 17, 1796, George Washington wrote, "Of all the dispositions and habits which lead to political prosperity, religion and morality are indispensable supports . . . In vain would that man claim the tribute of patriotism who should labor to subvert these great pillars of human happiness, these firmest props of the duties of men and citizens . . ."

In a letter of June 21, 1776, John Adams wrote, "Statesmen, my dear Sir, may plan and speculate for liberty, but it is Religion and Morality alone, which can establish the Principles upon which Freedom can securely stand."

Furthermore, Samuel Adams wrote in 1778, "Religion and good morals are the only solid foundations of public liberty and happiness."

On the list goes. Even Benjamin Franklin, the least religious person of the pack, wrote in 1787, "...only a virtuous people are capable of freedom. As nations become corrupt and vicious, they have more need of masters."

As I look at America today, I tremble at the reality of their words. I know I must trust an all-wise heavenly Father, for He alone is Savior. But I must also put feet to my faith. A righteous stand for the sacred principles that bless the heart of God is in order. This I must do.

I must REMEMBER, REPENT, RETURN. Over and over again in the Old Testament, the Lord admonishes the Israelites to remember where He brought them from, how He had delivered them, how He had blessed them. They were exhorted to pass the stories of God's faithfulness down to their children, and their children's children, so that they will not forget. This "passing the baton of faith" is vital to a nation's security. God was trying to protect His people, and He longs to protect us, if we will listen and follow His guidelines.

The memorial stones of our Christian heritage are written all over Washington DC, if we will but look. Etched in nearly every building are biblical references.

Oh, how we must be lights in this generation! Darkness does not overtake light; light overtakes darkness. Let us rise up and be the lights God intends us to be, for His glory and the propagation of the gospel in this land and overseas.

(Quotes taken from THE TRUTH PROJECT/Focus on the Family, Del Tackett, 2006)