Random Thoughts on What Must Be Done

-First off some quotage:
We all share a reasonable and, in many ways, admirable reluctance to leave the safety and peacefulness of private life to take up the larger burdens and challenges of active citizenship. The price is high, and it is easier and more enjoyable to remain within the shelter of our personal lives and our local communities, rather than the larger state. To enter public life is to step outside our more confined, comfortable sphere of life, and to face the broader, national sphere of citizenship. What makes it all worthwhile is to devote ourselves to the common good.
When one observes the pitched battles that rage around persons of strong convictions, who do not accept the prevailing beliefs of others, it is no wonder that those who might otherwise wish to participate find more hospitable outlets for their civic interests. When one of my friends began feeling the urge to get involved, his spouse glared at him and said, "Don't even think about it. We love our life the way it is." And that is not an unreasonable perspective, not at all. But is reasonableness always our standard of review on this question? I hope not.
During my youth there were many wonderful sayings, now considered trite, that provided cryptic, yet prescient guidance for my life. Among them was one based on Luke 12:48: "To whom much is given much is required." Perhaps such sentiments are embarrassing in sophisticated company today, but I continue to believe this with all my heart.
I do believe that we are required to wade into those things that matter to our country and our culture, no matter what the disincentives are, and no matter the personal cost. There is not one among us who wants to be set upon, or obligated to do and say difficult things. Yet, there is not one of us who could in good conscience stand by and watch a loved one or a defenseless person-or a vital national principle-perish alone, undefended, when our intervention could make all the difference. This may well be too dramatic an example. But, nevertheless, put most simply; if we think that something is dreadfully wrong, then someone has to do something.
Justice Clarence Thomas
Francis Boyer Lecture American Enterprise Institute for Public Policy Research
Washington DC
February 13, 2001

Boy did Justice Thomas state it well. He is my favorite Justice of the United States Supreme Court. He just gets it. Please go here and read the entire speech, just amazing and inspiring.

-Second. There were a couple of things that I have been working on recently that just were not working out the way that I wanted them to. I kept asking God about it and ended up just feeling more frustrated. Finally I shut up, and just used the incredible power of listening in prayer. In the quiet He reminded me of truths I already knew but had not been applying. We follow The Spirit, the guidance that He is giving us. We do what we know is right. And then we turn it over to Him. We trust Him to do whatever He meant to happen through us and through others. We trust that He will sanctify ours and others actions for the benefit of those who need it. Do the work and than watch the miracles. His answers are always better than what we ask for. Seek to do His will.

-Thirdly. It seems like I've been engaged in this cause for a while. But, I'm not tired at all. In fact lately there have been some new decisions made, perspectives gained and a renewed sense of commitment. Nothing earth shattering, but I'm going to be doing some new things. I pray for the courage to follow through with them. We must do what we can right now, and not worry about whether or not we get any recognition or thanks. God knows our hearts and our works, His is the only approval we really need.

-Fourthly. I feel the need to make an appeal to my fellow members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. You know what this land is, a land of promise. And you know what this country and its freedoms mean to us. Without the United States of America there would be no religious freedom, and no restoration. I for one feel that its time that we break away from the shackles of apathy and/or indifference and stand up for this gift of a nation. We need to stand together with every faith, religion and creed to protect our Country, our Constitution in memory of Our God, Our Religion, Our Freedom, Our Peace and Our Families. We do this because it is right and because it is worth fighting for.