Between our Ocean coasts

are the most varied people

on the planet.

We are from every country

(whether or not we

chose to be here).

We are from every religion,

culture, color of skin

education level, economic class

and point of view.

We are like a family who

argues so passionately

spittle shoots out of our mouths.

Yet should anyone else insult us,

we defend each other

with all our might.

We love each other deeply,

but understand our frailties and our failures

even if we are loathe to admit them

to ourselves.

America is a country of

slow progress and

individual overcomers.

We take two steps forward

and one step back and

embrace new ideas with difficulty.

At the same time,

when push comes to shove,

we learn, we grow, and eventually

we move forward.

As we lean into hope,

into integrity, unity, grace and God,

we hold…

Dear Father  . . .

Thank You for forming me,
in my mother’s womb
thank You for being
my future Bridegroom.

Thank You for comforting me,
for always being near
thank You for calming
my deepest, darkest fear.

Thank You for being my song,
my strength and my salvation
thank You for saving me
from everlasting damnation.

Thank You for giving me,
Your Word to live by
thank You for collecting
all the tears that I cry.

Thank You for satisfying,
my hunger and thirst
thank You leading me
to seek Your kingdom first.

Thank You for loving me,
for Your mercy and favor
thank You for the gift of grace
through Your Son, my Savior.

Thank You for making,
my paths straight
thank You for showing me
to the narrow gate.

Thank You for Your Spirit,
who lives inside of me
thank You for the trust
I have placed…