PICAYUNE —
There is an apparent and growing perception, we Americans are somehow adrift as a country: economically, morally and spiritually. As in each generation, there is genuine concern about the succeeding generations’ well-being and these days are no exception. A weak economy, a shrinking middle-class, remote wars and moral malaise have heightened our growing concerns. As we have endured this condition for several years, there is an uneasy feeling it has permeated our psyches, draining our national spirit and even impinging upon our relationship with God.
When we now stand to collectively proclaim the United States’ “Pledge of Allegiance,” there seems to be more volume to the effort, more urgency in our voices. Over the years, through ebb and flow of this crisis and that, this has been frequently the case. Of course, there are many other pledges, creeds, oaths, and vows, which express our outward direction and desires. We pledge money to a cause we believe in. We express the creeds, or beliefs, of our religion. Entering the Armed Forces, we say the Oath of Enlistment. Among so many other similar statements extant, we exchange vows in matrimony.
Each positive proclamation, regardless of title, expresses commitment to some entity, or ideal, outside of ourselves. Each outlines and raises the base expectations of our behaviors and many express ideals for the benefit of others. In times of our greater troubles, or concerns, we more readily join with others in our passions. Yet, we may not turn to God for strength and answers, looking only within that Great Void, within ourselves, or others.
However, what about having our own pledges, our own oaths, our own creeds explicitly written and believed, only for ourselves? However, be cautioned, this is not some narcissistic enterprise in applying self-congratulatory plaudits, or a pride-full promise to amass all we can grab in life. No, this has nothing to do with pride. As the renowned Christian writer C.S. Lewis reminds us, “All sin begins with pride.” For us, it has to do with a full commitment, only to ourselves and only to God, about bringing ourselves to a level of greatness, where we would not be otherwise. How many of us, as children, were given long lectures on behavior and “turning over a new leaf?” How many of us, in Sunday school, were taught about what being good, with God, was all about? Enshrined, in many of us, is that nagging call to be of “better worth.”
In being true to ourselves, we must have a living creed, to which we truly follow. Living for what the day may bring and adapting to the winds of life, is not being true to oneself…or to others.
A wise woman once said to her grandchild, “Dear, there are things we just don’t do.” Here is a creed, a succinct statement of a proper approach to the “temptations.,” encapsulated in a spare expression. For, if we doubt the appropriateness of our sensibilities, then the “don’t” must echo within. Conversely, the “do’s” require us to extend ourselves, beyond our prurient, base interests.
Excuse making, rationalization, accepting less, and doing less, than what is honorable and good brings us to the places we often lament. Our individual problems, and our nation’s problems, our individual successes and our nation’s successes, rely upon the inner commitment of our individual citizens to a higher calling, first within themselves and getting “right” with God and then, in service to this great Nation. Let us be not deluded, for with God and within ourselves lies the answers for our successes… and our futures.
Religion
I pledge allegiance to myself…
- Religion
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The strange victory by liberal religion
By Terry Mattingl/Syndicated columnist
The most recent Jewish Community Study of New York held few surprises for those who have followed the sobering Jewish trends of recent decades
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Movies on Canal begins March 9
The Church at Picayune is hosting a free community event called “Movies on Canal”, on the second Saturday of each month, beginning Saturday March 9, 2012.
A family friendly movie will be projected onto the side of the building at 120 West Canal St in Picayune. Bring a lawn chair and the entire family and enjoy fun-jumps, pop-corn, food, and lots of entertainment at Movies On Canal. -
Pope resigns on his terms
By Terry Mattingly/Syndicated columnist
In the spring of 2009, Pope Benedict XVI stopped in Aquila, Italy, to pray at the shrine of St. Celestine V.
The pope left his pallium — a wool garment that resembles a yoke, symbolizing bonds between a shepherd and his flock — on this medieval pope’s tomb. Then, 15 months later, he visited a cathedral outside Rome to pray before the relics, once again, of St. Celestine V. -
Pope Benedict VXI resigning
VATICAN CITY (AP) — With a few words in Latin, Pope Benedict VXI did Monday what no pope has done in more than half a millennium, announcing his resignation and sending the already troubled Catholic Church scrambling to replace the leader of its 1 billion followers by Easter.
Not even his closest associates had advance word of the news, a bombshell that he dropped during a routine morning meeting of Vatican cardinals. With no clear favorites to succeed him, another surprise likely awaits when the cardinals elect Benedict’s successor next month.
“Without doubt this is a historic moment,” said Cardinal Christoph Schoenborn, a protege and former theology student of Benedict’s who is considered a papal contender. “Right now, 1.2 billion Catholics the world over are holding their breath.” -
It’s great to be involved with ‘Upwards’ basketball
By Gwen Williams/AKA MS Chocolate/Guest Columnist
I’m not a sports person, but every year I look forward to sharing with the children involved in the Upward Basketball program. First through sixth graders come together to experience their first sports encounter playing basketball. Boys and girls play together with the hope of building character and values for life. Excitement floods the gym as parents, grandparents, and aunts gather with various electronic gadgets waiting to film their children. The program is also a means of reaching parents with children who are unchurched.
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The heart attack
By Steve Ellison, Interim Pastor/First Baptist Horatio, Ark.
January was a big month for me. It actually started in December and seeped over into February. I spent a few weeks helping to care for my father who was very ill, in fact near death from the combined effects of lung cancer, radiation of the brain, and chemotherapy. I officiated the funerals of a close family friend, my father, and my father’s sister.
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An offering
By Kelcie Kinchen/Guest Columnist
Through life, no matter where we are, we face times that leave us with just a handful of understanding and a trunk full of confusion. Circumstances leave us standing in the road, not sure which way to turn.
It seems like everyone around you has something to offer in abundance and yet all you believe you have is not worthy of offering. In our minds, all we see is the lack but God sees the abundance around the corner of surrender. -
Last call, ya’ll!
This is The final call for articles and photos for
this year’s Pearl River County Today “Progress” edition. all churches and religious organizations can email their articles and photos to…
picayuneitem@bellsouth.net. -
Getting to know the enemy is vital
By Steve Ellison, Interim Pastor/First Baptist Horatio, Ark.
The past few weeks have been difficult for me. I saw enough tears to last me a lifetime (and shed a few of my own). My father has been very ill recently. I was not his primary care giver but I was heavily involved. I experienced things I never wanted to experience.
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Why be included in Pearl River County Today edition?
What would you say to others about your church or regligious organization?
Do you want to increase participation in your activities, or services?
If you had a free venue you could use to present your information not only to local citizens but to visitors, would you use it? - More Religion Headlines
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The strange victory by liberal religion
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Fmr. IRS Head Insists No Politics in Targeting
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Could Tobacco Be the Next Biofuel?
Wash. State Releases Draft Rules for Legal Pot
