America the Beautiful
Current events shed an ominous light on our cherished United States of America, culminating in the assassination of Charlie Kirk. We must not allow this darkness to cloud this country and its flag that we hold dear to our hearts. Our forefathers founded this country on Godly principles that have sustained us for nearly 250 years. And if we hold true to those principles, God will continue to bless our American way of life! Take time to ponder on what you think it means to be an American citizen. What is your part in this grand scheme that requires us to participate in the democratic process by respecting the rights of others and contributing to the wellbeing of our community by both fulfilling legal obligations and upholding core values by showing empathy and kindness such as being a good neighbor and showing compassion to-ward others, even those with different beliefs. It means taking responsibility for one’s own actions and contributing to society instead of just going with the flow. President Theodore Roosevelt said, “The first requisite of a good citizen in this Republic of ours is that he shall be able and willing to pull his weight—that he shall not be a mere passenger”. This calls for us to practice good citizenship which involves a love for one’s country and a commitment to its founding principles. A good civics lesson would be required to instruct us in every aspect of good citizenship. We find the answer to this in the immortal words of the patriotic and inspiring song, “America the Beautiful”.
America, America, God shed His Grace on Thee. These beautiful words were penned by Katharine Lee Bates, a Professor at Wellesley College in 1893. Visiting Colorado on a summer trip, she found the view from the top of Colorado’s Pike’s Peak provoked such a feeling of awe that she was inspired to describe this panoramic view of the American landscape in a poem. The title was “America” and was published in a newspaper, The Congregationalist, on July 4, 1895. Eventually, in 1910, these words were joined with music composed by Samuel A. Ward in 1882 and was titled “America the Beautiful”.
America the Beautiful
O beautiful for spacious skies,For amber waves of grain,For purple mountain majestiesAbove the fruited plain!America! America!God shed His grace on theeAnd crown thy good with brotherhood-From sea to shining sea!O beautiful for pilgrim feet,Whose stern, impassioned stressA thoroughfare for freedom beatAcross the wilderness!America! America!God mend thine every flaw,Confirm thy soul in self-control,Thy liberty in law!O beautiful for heroes provedIn liberating strife,Who more than self their country lovedAnd mercy more than life!America! America! May God thy gold refine, Till all success be nobleness, And every gain divine! O beautiful for patriot dreamThat sees beyond the yearsThine alabaster cities gleamUndimmed by human tears!America! America! God shed His grace on theeAnd crown thy good with brotherhoodFrom sea to shining sea!
1910 Words by Katharine Lee Bates with melody by by Samuel Ward As Pastor Chip says, “We must hold the line!” Consider joining us at First Baptist Church in Marlin for worship and inspiration. May God bless each one of you and God Bless America!