We can all make a difference to help make this world a better place
Making a difference truly is a necessity
By Laurie Toupin
September 14, 2002
We can all make a difference to help make this world a better place.
That was perhaps the loudest message I heard this week as we honored the lives of the heroes of Sept. 11, 2001 – the World Trade Center workers, their families and loved ones; the airline passengers; the firefighters, the police officers, and all who gave their time, money, thoughts and prayers to helping the United States through this past year.
I heard this message in the speeches on national TV, in the words of those speaking at our local observance, and perhaps most of all, in the patriotic songs that were sung.
To me, these songs tied together the sacrifices of those we honored this week to those of our forefathers who also fought and struggled to make and keep this land a country.
Yet with the singing of these words I also heard notes of insecurity – insecurity about the future of the country, people’s personal lives, their jobs and the economy, as well as insecurity about the country’s safety and the safety of our children.
But the very words, sung with such pride this week as we honored those who have gone on before us, also hold the key to changing those sour notes of uncertainty to ones of harmony.
For these songs recognize God’s presence in the lives of our forefathers, as well as His willingness to help them overcome seemingly insurmountable odds.
“God Bless America . . ."
“God Bless the USA . . ."
“God shed his grace on thee . . ."
“Our father’s God to, Thee, Author of liberty, to Thee we sing. Long may our land be bright with freedom’s holy light; Protect us by They might, Great God, our King!”
Nothing’s changed. God is as present in our lives today as He was more than 225 years ago, enabling each one of us to have an equally important impact on the world. Why? Because each of us is endowed with the spirit, strength, intelligence and love of our common Father, Mother, God.
“Finding and feeling this inseparability with our maker allows us to see the infinite possibilities of our lives,” says Joni Overton-Jung, an international speaker on spirituality. “Getting in touch with a spiritual sense of being is the only thing that will move us beyond fear, limitations, regrets and grief. Spirituality is fundamental to finding peace and empowerment in our lives.
“When our reference point – our gauge for measuring ourselves – shifts to a divine standpoint, a focus on God, then the possibilities for our lives open right up,” says Overton-Jung. “How we feel about ourselves is directly linked to how we interact in the world. Our connection with the Divine is a basis for individual and global security and peace.
“Finding spiritual centeredness with our Father, Mother God will simplify everything in our lives,” she says. “It will bring us peace and in turn, affect peace on a broader scale."
Everyone in their own unique way – whether volunteering, working, soul searching, or just living, has helped throughout the past year make the nation stronger and the world better. Thank you for singing!
Laurie Toupin is a member of First Church Christ, Scientist, and serves on the board of directors of the Nashua Area Interfaith Council as a delegate at large.