Reflections

As I read about Benjamen Franklin, it helps me realize what a precious document our founding fathers designed. They did so at great risk to their lives; the British saw them as scum-bag traitors that should face the gallows. Even Franklin, who was renowned throughout England, Europe and America, faced Lords, Earls and Parliament that hated him and what he stood for- America's free trade, self-representation and equal rights as British citizens. When he realized how vitriolic they were, and determined to abase the Americans, to subdue them as they had the Irish, he threw his full force behind creating a Republic. His talents were formidable, he used all the contacts he had made in Europe over the past 30 years of his life to gain alliances that would allow America to survive.

Against all odds we as a country faced the most fearsome military and naval force in the world- and won. You can't tell me it was accidental. The men involved in the Continental congress were willing to pray about their decisions, pray for guidance, and acknowledge God in their success. Not all of them were church-going men, including Franklin, but as I read his writings, it's clear that he read the scriptures and he spoke often of prayer. I hope we can do the same- let's pray for our families, and pray for our country. We are on the verge of financial calamity, people are polarized against one another, and we are at war in far countries. Let's pray for our military, pray for our leaders and look forward to better times.