21 “that all of them may be one, Father, just as you are in me and I am in you. May they also be in us so that the world may believe that you have sent me” (John 17:21)
Says Saint Pope John Paul II in ‘America … A Continent of Hope:’
“Only God knows how the future will be. We know, however, that in any event, it will be a future of grace; it will be the fulfillment of a divine plan of love for all humanity and each one of us. That is why, as we look to the future, we are full of hope. Fear does not conquer us.” 1
Read an account from one of our neighbors that lifts us from the swamp, presently dominating the airwaves. Goosebumps!
“Heading home this afternoon, I saw an older white woman lying flat out on the sidewalk on the corner of Peoria and 49th Street, with a young Asian woman trying to talk to her.
I did a quick U-turn and pulled into the parking lot of Burger Street just as another car pulled in.
I jumped out of my car at the same time that a young Black man jumped out of his.
We both did a quick check and found that the woman was using a walker and had fallen backward, hitting her head on the cement.
I said I would call 911. The young Black man went to his car and got a soft jacket and gently placed it under her head to shield her head from the scorching cement sidewalk (it was 100 degrees today).
Soon other angels began to arrive. One young White woman got an umbrella out of her car to shield the woman’s face from the sun; another got towels out of her vehicle to place under the woman’s bare arms.
A young Hispanic employee from Burger Street came out with a bucket of clean, cold water and a rag to place on her forehead. We all: Black, White, Asian, and Hispanic worked together to aid an older White woman who had fallen.
This is the America I love and believe in. One with compassion, kindness, and love, regardless of race, age, or gender.”
My response:
“Thank you, Ms. Lea Ann, for reminding us what the true ‘American Dream’ is really about and what America stands for. Goosebumps! There is but one America, and all of America’s problems are all of our problems. Can and will all Americans become Good Samaritans? YES!
What you and others did come from the heart. That’s America.
By the way, we are snowbirds from Europe. I use my ‘ketchup barometer’ to judge America’s generosity. What do I mean? Here, when you ask for ketchup at any fast food place or restaurant, you get a handful. Everywhere else on earth, each packet costs 50 cents. So, every time we return home, we tote along with $50.00 worth of ketchup, compliments of America’s generosity. So, keep on believing.”
Ms. Lea Ann’s reaction:
“Aw, you gave ME goosebumps. So many people (even here in America) seem to be on the “America is bad” bandwagon. It is refreshing to hear the other viewpoint. So many of the situations that people fight and argue over are half-full / half-empty glasses. The reality of what is in the glass is one singular reality – but how it is perceived can be radically different – multiple viewpoints. The volume of water does not change by how it is perceived. Only the attitude of the one who perceives is different. As much as possible, I choose to see the glass as half full.“
We are guests in your wonderful country. It is wonderful because of all of you. Is everyone perfect? No! Nonetheless, people do respond to the higher calling of shining a ‘light’ in their communities, which President Abraham Lincoln refers to as ‘seeking the better angels of our nature.’ Most act responsibly as conscientious citizens. (Chapter 1: A Divine Surprise; Sub-chapter 1.16: The Better Angeles of Our Nature; Page 42; Kindle Locations 718-720).
‘The Good Samaritan’ has always been on the American ballot, from the beginning.
Read more: America … A Continent of Hope
With Every Good Wish to You, I am,
Sincerely,
Building the Bridge Foundation, The Hague
Abraham A. van Kempen
Senior Editor
*‘Christian Zionism … Enraptured Around a Golden Cal” (2nd Edition)
e-book version $ 3.33
Paperback $33.30
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