“Wisdom is the principal thing, therefore get wisdom and withall thy getting, get understanding.” “The light shineth in darkness, and the darkness comprehendeth it not.”
I immediately recognized the quotes engraved on the walls of the Library of Congress — one from the Old Testament, the other one referring to Christ in the New Testament. These verses are well known to me. I stood in the Reading Room, astounded by the beauty and majesty of the architecture, while my heart raced with the thought that my book would one day be placed on the shelves of the largest library in the world.
We had been walking all day through the National Mall, and I was amazed at how many references to God I found in buildings and monuments. I found them in the Supreme Court, where a marble relief of Moses holding tablets containing the Ten Commandments can be found outside the East Pediment. I found them in paintings in the Capitol Building and behind the Speaker’s rostrum in the House Chamber, where one reads “In God We Trust,” our nation’s motto.
I found them again in the National Archives and in each president’s monument: “Train up a child in the way he should go, and when he is old, he will not depart from it” is engraved in the Washington Monument. This sobering quote is in the Jefferson Memorial, from his notes to the state of Virginia: “God who gave us life gave us liberty. Can the liberties of a nation be secure when we have removed a conviction that these liberties are the gift of God? Indeed I tremble for my country when I reflect that God is just, that his justice cannot sleep forever.”
I have never seen such sights during my trips to different capitals around the world. Regardless of whether one walks the streets of Rome, Paris or Brasilia, you will find monuments recording victories in battle and the people conquered by their mighty armies. A country’s monuments and national symbols reflect what their founding leaders believed to be the source of their nation’s power and achievements, and nations have always erected memorials to honor their gods, whether they were military heroes or deities. In this respect, America stands out, at least among the nations I’ve visited, as the only place where monuments and symbols contain the declaration that the source of our greatness is the God of the bible.
Alexis de Tocqueville was a famous 19th-century French statesman, historian and social philosopher who traveled to America in the 1830s. He published his observations about the reason for the greatness of America in his two-volume work, “Democracy in America.” One of his famous quotes has been repeated by statesman and clergyman alike throughout the decades: “America is great because America is good, and if America ever ceases to be good, America will cease to be great. The safeguard of morality is religion, and morality is the best security of law, as well as the surest pledge of freedom.”
As a foreigner myself, I echo Tocqueville’s conclusions. We may not be the nation that lives by that truth anymore. We may have decided to change our belief system as a society, but I am personally convinced, as I read the history and admire the singularity of this country, that America’s ingenuity and greatness are a reflection of its initial dependence and trust in God. And as an immigrant who loves these United States as my own, my prayer in this election year is that we who believe in the same principles, will do our part to help her remain uniquely great, protected and blessed among the nations.
Patricia Holbrook is a Christian author and national conference speaker. Her book, “Twelve Inches: Bridging the Gap Between What You Know About God and How You Feel,” is available on Kindle, at Barnes and Nobles, Amazon and other retailers. Visit her website at www.soaringwithhim.com
“America’s ingenuity and greatness are a reflection of its initial dependence and trust in God. ” Amen and amen. It’s a God thing. My prayer is that our country’s progress remains a God thing, but I must admit, I’m concerned. Reading about all the references on the monuments is a shot of encouragement and a powerful reminder. Visiting today via #testimonyTuesday.
Thank you, Kristi! So glad you visited! Come back often! 🙂
“America’s ingenuity and greatness are a reflection of its initial dependence and trust in God. ” Amen and amen. It’s a God thing. My prayer is that our country’s progress remains a God thing, but I must admit, I’m concerned. Reading about all the references on the monuments is a shot of encouragement and a powerful reminder. Visiting today via #testimonyTuesday.
Thank you, Kristi! So glad you visited! Come back often! 🙂
I loved this article! I’ve always said that DC is so inspirational. I too am an immigrant but unfortunately we appreciate the goodness of this country so much more than the natural born citizens that are so intent on tearing it down!
I think many of us immigrants do appreciate the country in a different way, because we realize how blessed America is among the nations. But thankfully, there are so many Americans that realize that too. We all have to stand up as one (immigrants or not) and pray for healing and restoration! “if my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and I will forgive their sin and will heal their land.” 2 Chronicles 7:14. Thanks for visiting, Virginia! Come back often!! 🙂
I loved this article! I’ve always said that DC is so inspirational. I too am an immigrant but unfortunately we appreciate the goodness of this country so much more than the natural born citizens that are so intent on tearing it down!
I think many of us immigrants do appreciate the country in a different way, because we realize how blessed America is among the nations. But thankfully, there are so many Americans that realize that too. We all have to stand up as one (immigrants or not) and pray for healing and restoration! “if my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and I will forgive their sin and will heal their land.” 2 Chronicles 7:14. Thanks for visiting, Virginia! Come back often!! 🙂
Praying for our country to repent and turn back to the Lord.
Beautiful post, Patricia, and I love your new look on your website.
Blessings!
Amen and Amen! Thanks, Martha! We love our new website too 🙂
Praying for our country to repent and turn back to the Lord.
Beautiful post, Patricia, and I love your new look on your website.
Blessings!
Amen and Amen! Thanks, Martha! We love our new website too 🙂
A great call to join you in prayer for our country, that it return to God as He promises that if we do so, He will return to Him. Our duty is to seek His face, embracing His principles detailed in His Word, walking as Jesus walked, knowing that if we who call ourselves Christians would do our duty, God wii bring the results this country so desperately needs. God bless you Patricia, your incredible family and your ministry. I am so blessed to be called to pray for you and also with you as God moves mightily through you.
You’re spot on, Walt! Only God can bring change… we, however, have to stand up for what we believe as His children. We can’t complain if we don’t act like salt and light! I appreciate your prayers!
A great call to join you in prayer for our country, that it return to God as He promises that if we do so, He will return to Him. Our duty is to seek His face, embracing His principles detailed in His Word, walking as Jesus walked, knowing that if we who call ourselves Christians would do our duty, God wii bring the results this country so desperately needs. God bless you Patricia, your incredible family and your ministry. I am so blessed to be called to pray for you and also with you as God moves mightily through you.
You’re spot on, Walt! Only God can bring change… we, however, have to stand up for what we believe as His children. We can’t complain if we don’t act like salt and light! I appreciate your prayers!
Love the devotional, Patricia
See you at choir rehearsal,
Kelly
Thank you, Kelly!
Love the devotional, Patricia
See you at choir rehearsal,
Kelly
Thank you, Kelly!