6 October 2008
Living the Moment
Posted by Joy Bischoff under: Constitution in Peril; Judaeo-Christian Values Under Attack; World Economy .
Yesterday, a man I admire tremendously, Thomas S. Monson, suggested we stop waiting for tomorrow to appreciate all we have and enjoy our most precious associations. There is still so much to be thankful for. Times are tough for many, but a quick comparison should show us that compared to many in the world, we are still okay. There is always someone who is struggling more and there is always something we can do to reach out and build bridges of unity and love. This is where we will find peace and satisfaction.
I decided to share that message because we have recently watched a power grab that will eventually bring consequences we will all feel. The Bailout was much more than a bailout. Money was already being printed and slipped into the system and that did not need congressional approval. Their nod was needed for the parts of the bill that aligned with directives of Karl Marx for establishing socialism…economic power in the hands of central government instead of the people.
We were told that in order to stabilize the slumping housing market, we had to have the bailout plan. Now we are reading that in order for the bailout plan to work, the housing market must first stabilize. As a result, we are watching the market dive this morning. The lie is already coming home to roost.
Those who are willing to give away the future freedoms of their children for the promise of security, do not fully understand the foundational principles of freedom. There is a song I heard sung by the Mormon Tabernacle Choir on Saturday that reminds me of this situation and that I wish people would take to heart:
Do what is right let the consequence follows
Battle for freedom in spirit and might
And with stout hearts look ye forth til tomorrow
God will protect you then do what is right
Fear and a feeling of desperation often starts a social downspiraling of charity. Thomas Monson also mentioned yesterday that we should reach out to others and serve our fellow man, helping the poor and downtrodden.
I am a Republican but sometimes there are those in our party who cultivate the attitude that those who are struggling brought their troubles upon themselves and should be left to deal with the consequences. As a whole, Republicans are more giving, statistically, than Democrats so there are many acceptions to this attitude but I did want to throw out a little reminder. Wall Street and some international businesses do not care about the well-being of the individual or the Constitution if it interferes with their bottom line…profits.
In his book Abraham in Egypt, Hugh Nibley told the tale of Sodom and Gommorah and the greed that existed there. According to the ancient legends, their citizens did not believe in helping the poor or looking with compassion upon those who were struggling. And all things were kept under the umbrella of the law:
For like the Nephites under the Gadianton administration, these people were careful to keep everything legal: thus they would pay a merchant good prices for his goods but refuse to sell him any food, and when he starved to death would piously confiscate all of his wares and his wealth. Of course, “the richer a man, the more was he favored before the law,” for it was wicked to encourage idleness by h elping the poor. Anyone helping the poor in Sodom got thrown into the river.
So, if we can foster generous hearts, and enjoy all of the sunshine we can find in our lives now, we can endure present and future trials with greater strength and hope.
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