Dear Shepherdess: In this issue of THE MINISTRY magazine we are beginning a series of "Prayers From the Parsonage," by Cherry Habenicht. Cherry is a minister's wife and a mother who has been active in the Shepherdess organizations in the conferences where she has lived. She and her husband are now serving in Lafox, Illinois, where he is pastor of the Broadview Academy church. Prayers, or articles from other Shepherdesses who encounter interesting experiences, suggestions, or ideas that could be shared with the readers of "By His Side" are welcomed.
Today I pressed the wrinkles from three small flags I found rolled up in the buffet drawer. The grandchildren and I have used these flags often as we have paraded through the house singing, "Three cheers for the red, white and blue." (Sometimes we are accompanied by a drummer who beats out a loud rhythm on an empty oatmeal box with a large spoon for a drumstick.) Then we pause while the 5- and 6-year-olds solemnly say the newly learned Pledge of Allegiance to the flag held by the slightly older grandma.
Patriotism! We live day by day taking for granted the opportunities and freedom of our country. We are inclined to forget that there are people who do not enjoy these opportunities and freedom that we feel are our rights. We criticize, murmur, and complain, especially about taxes, recession, and inflation. We need to remember that in this country we are still rich and free.
Patriotism is love for one's country. As those of us living here in the United States celebrate its 200th birthday we are not ashamed to let those of you living elsewhere know we love America and are grateful to be living in it.
Connie Frieberg has written an open letter to "Our Forefathers" for Sun shine Magazine in appreciation, as it were, of what they did in "conceiving" this great nation. I know our overseas readers will not only join us in our celebration but in relationship to their own governments will be mindful of the words of the apostle Paul, "Let every soul be subject unto the higher powers. For there is no power but of God: the powers that be are ordained of God" (Rom. 13:1).—With love, Kay.
(Used by permission of Sunshine Magazine, July, 1975, issue.)
DEAR FOREFATHERS,
I will be 200 years old soon. That's going to be a big occasion for me. As I approach this memorable birthday I think back, remembering you, and realizing how I have aged.
You gave me birth. Without you I would not exist as I do today. I was conceived through the yearnings in your hearts. In my infancy, I was nurtured by your toil, suffering, and dedicated spirit. You put everything you had into me your lives, your fortunes, your sacred honor. I struggled then and I struggle now to fulfill your dreams. I've grown and matured a lot over the years, though always there are many challenges.
The Constitution you wrote for me has been my blueprint for living. Had you not been so careful in devising it, I would have died a thousand deaths by now. Of course that document is not perfect because you, its creators, were only human, and thus imperfect. . . .
Your sons and daughters have come a long way with me. They have worked with each other, loved each other, and sometimes, unfortunately, have hated each other. At times like the Civil War they've been a disgrace to your memory. At other times, like World War II, they've united in glorification of your spirit. The experiences brought by both their faults and their virtues have made me increasingly wiser and stronger.
In recent days I was ill. The American dream that you cherished so much nearly faded into oblivion. I was scared. Had people forgotten you? Had the Constitution become an antique to be modernized out of existence? This seemed to be the plague that swept over me for a time. Then the crisis came. All of the goodness and strength of America finally surged forth to break the fever. I am much better now. I know that my illness must have grieved you, but now you can rejoice with me in my recovery.
So I look forward to my 200th birth day, and I want to feel that you are proud of me. I want to be worthy of the sacrifices you made for me. And always I want to be seen striving toward fulfillment of the American dream. Yes, that dream is still in my heart. You put it there and despite all that has transpired, it lives.
I close with thanks to you for my heritage and hope for the future. Stay with me. Whenever I falter, please stir again within my soul so that I may hear your wisdom, and it shall prevail.
Your grateful posterity,
THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
