The Micah Mandate

While reading the book The Faith of the American Soldier by Stephen Mansfield, I came across this message given by President Theodore Roosevelt.

The teaching of the New Testament is foreshadowed in Micah's verse,

"He has shown you, O man, what is good and what the Lord requires

of you: but to do justice and to love mercy, and walk humbly with

your God" (Micah 6:8)

Do justice; and therefore fight valiantly against those who stand for

the reign of Molech and Beelzebub on this earth.

Love mercy; treat your enemies well, suffer the afflicted, treat every

woman as though she were your sister, care for the little children,

rescue the perishing, and be tender with the old and helpless.

Walk humbly; you will do so if you study the life and teaching of the

Savior, walking in His steps.

Remember, the most perfect machinery of government will not keep

us as a nation if there is not within us a soul, no abounding of material

prosperity shall avail us if out spiritual sense is atrophied. The foes

of our own household will surely prevail against us unless there be in

our people an inner life which finds its outward expression in a morality

like unto that preached by the seers and the prophets of God when the

grandeur that was Greece and the glory that was Rome still lay in the future.

These words were given by a former president of the United States sending men to battle in the First World War. How much could we as Americans use these words today. So much of our society could use the advice to "Do Justice...Love mercy...and Walk humbly." How different a time we live in. 1917 the President of the United States freely quotes the Bible and tells his soldiers to abide by its teachings. 2010 that is unheard of. The President of the United States would be ridiculed and threatened if he took such a step with the troops. (As this author focuses on throughout the book.)

I don't know- I really like this quote. I like the message it shares- basically "The Golden Rule". Even though you may be soldiers in a war- fighting for your life- there are others that need you. Care for them- love them. You are fighting not just for your own freedom, but the freedom of others. Everyday we enter our own battles. Some are literally in a war zone- others are in a more emotional/spiritual war zone. Yet, if we could each take the advice of President Roosevelt and remember those in need around us, our selves would be better, and our society would be better.

Migration Part II

A point was brought to my attention about being "a wild animal". So of course I have been thinking about that quite a bit. The "wild animal" was defined as non-migratory and more of a singular figure rather than being in a herd. So they gather their direction without any pre-determined path. I realized that these "wild animals" may not migrate like other animals- but they do follow the path of the herd. This is how they gain their sustenance- following the path of the herd- making themselves predators. They do not follow for the exact same reason- but the main reason for both groups of animals is for "food". The "wild animals" don't follow the complete migratory pattern- but they do follow the "food."

So in a way- it seems like even in nature there is a need for sustenance, protection, and guidance that is found in the "herd"- whether or not you are part of the "herd". Even the "wild animal" relies upon the herd.

Another question was raised about the "migratory" animal and the "wild" animal. How do you mesh their lives? How do they live the way they each feel they should and co-exist? I think the answer is also found in nature- they don't. One will always be predator and the other prey. I can't think of any examples to refute this. However- I'd love to know if I'm wrong on this one.

Just some more food for thought.

Migration

I had a thought tonight that I need to think about some more- but I found interesting. Yesterday I had a conversation with a gentleman who said he's spiritual but not religious. It's not the first time I've heard this, but I never know how to respond to it. Then tonight I had a thought- migratory animals follow a certain path. It is a path to lead them to the proper place at the proper time. If they don't follow this path they become lost and risk serious peril. They could get lucky and survive, but more often than not they lose their life. Sometimes these stray animals are noticed and receive help to get to their proper destination before any real harm can befall them, but that is not always the case. The other interesting fact is that these migratory animals have to be shown the correct path to get to the correct destination. They can't rely purely on their instinct- they must be shown. This migration path happens within the first year of the animals life.

So what does migration have to do with religion and spirituality? We as individuals seek guidance and have all forms of spiritual insight/instinct. What does religion do? Religion is like the proper migratory path- with it you are able to get to the proper destination with less peril than trying to make it on your own. Do obstacles still arise- of course. However, with the guidance of religion you are able to reach your destination faster and with fewer complications. You also have the benefit of not being alone. You have a whole group with you (like the migratory animal) to encourage, buoy, protect, and help you along the way. It just makes sense that religion is around to encourage your individual spirituality versus merely controlling your spirituality.

I think then that should I be confronted with this statement again- I may have enough nerve to share my comparison. I suppose it will just have to depend on the person I am conversing with.

Desperate Times...Desperate Measures...

Here it is July and I haven't been doing well at keeping up to date in this blog.

Life is good- my family is healthy, we currently have a roof over our heads, and business is holding steady. All of these things should make me one happy mama. It would if stress wasn't mingled in there. Stress- it definitely wreaks havoc upon a soul. Now more than ever I can appreciate the words- "if ye are prepared, ye shall not fear." In all the many variations of scenarios that play in our lives- as long as you do your best to be prepared for each of them- you'll have that security/peace of mind.

I have definitely NOT heeded that advice- and man do I regret it. I could really use the peace of mind right now. There is enough stress with a brand new baby coming into our family that I could use a break from the rest of the stress weighing on me. However- because of my own short-sightedness (word?) I am not able to bask in the glory of just baby stress. Oh yes- there is the other saying... "this too shall pass." But it's all the happenings until "this" passes that cause concern. (Not very hopeful today.)

To try to counter act some of the stress I am trying to sell Avon. Perhaps not the best choice when you are shy or a bit of an introvert. I suppose it's time for me to overcome that obstacle. I am also trying to become a "vendor" for charter schools- teaching piano. We'll see what ends up happening with that.

May we each survive our different struggles until "this too shall pass."