Finding God in a world gone awry!

Many years ago, when young people addressed adults as Mr. and Mrs. and respected teachers, policemen, and neighbors, there were no concerns that we would wake up in the morning and breath in the freshness of peace and good feelings. Our parents could walk into downtown and share common hellos with people they didn’t even know. Friday evening the family could attend movies at the local theater and even play bingo or other family events while there during intermission. It was a world with “Father knows best” scenario and when help was required by our next door neighbor it was never a doubt help would be there.

That was a time back in the late 40’s and 50’s when telephones were available on every corner, transportation by local busses or electric trolley cars became so common. Then came the 70’s and our society began to change. And now, the 21st century, nothing from the past resembles our lives where daily people are being shot, respect for the police, teachers, and even our next-door neighbors has all but disappeared.

Government officials who want to lead in a peaceful manner struggle to convince the general public that the Constitution is still sufficient for us to believe in and law and order are also the back-bone of our belief in what our forefathers put together.

When God called Moses from a burning bush and sent him to Egypt with a task that seemed impossible, faith that was passed down from Abraham, Issac, and Jacob the task was assured possible by God and the Jews learned to adhere to the commandments given to Moses when they arrived back to the land promised them.

It makes us wonder can we reignite the days of yesteryear when there were no guns pointing at peaceful living people, common respect for everyone was the rule of the day, and hospitals were not overwhelmed with people recovering from alcohol and drug addiction?

As jews enter the front door of their homes there attached to the door post is a replica of the ten commandments, called a Mezuzah and attached on the right door post. Touching it reminds those entering of the Torah and the God who brought them out of Egypt. We need a reminder as well to remember God and the grace we have received from him. If there was some type religious symbol that we could at least touch as entering or even leaving our homes perhaps carrying that thought might just change the daily trek and even fall upon our children as well.

The Ten Commandments, and the U.S. Constitution, both stand as prominent reminders that God is the Divine Entity that gave us rules for spiritual guidance with the commandments, and also blessed the Fathers of our country with the same type of rules through the constitution. These rules are not meant to be overbearing, but guidelines to bring peace and tranquility to the nation’s citizens for all-time.

Christians need to remember that Jesus Christ came to redeem us, and we need to use something like holy water in a fount of that water at out doorway to remind us of our baptism as we enter and leave our homes.

Ralph B. Hathaway, Finding God 2021