A phrase has nagged at my mind this week – with an odd mixture of emotions. I know this is a long reflection, but it seems timely, arising from the concerns we all feel in these critical days prior to the Nov 5th Presidential Election.

Here’s the phrase: “The cradle of our Republic”

Here’s what’s odd: Grief and gratitude!

OK. I’ll explain. While biking from Jamestown to Richmond, walking Yorktown and Williamsburg and savoring extra space for quiet, study and prayer, Becky and I have at times felt overwhelmed by grief as we view this beautiful historic area, which has been called “the cradle of the Republic”.

Grief grips the soul of any follower of Jesus to see how the U.S.A., so richly blessed and favored by Almighty God has been so poisoned by the evil of abortion and the lies that swirl around all political discussions about the murder of unborn babies. Few advocates for the unborn get a word in edgewise when the issue of the sanctity of life gets shoved aside by political correctness.

Ironically, we notice here in the very “cradle” of our Constitutional liberties, a sense of indifference about the nation’s plight and no signs (other than a few stray yard signs) that the freedom from tyranny, for which the Founders pledged their lives, their fortunes and their sacred honor, all rest, ultimately, on “the right to life” of all human beings.  It is indeed the first “right” listed in the Declaration of Independence. Each tiny human being carried by his or her expectant mother is an heir to this right.

Grief deepens in my soul, walking along the coastline at Jamestown, to think of how many millions of actual “cradles” in which little ones should be loved, celebrated and nourished are left vacant because the little ones’ lives are sacrificed with heartless disregard for their personhood. Cherishing the little ones is part of being champions for true liberty, not only because of what we believe as Christians, but in light of the liberties for which American stands.

Every single human being has this priceless right to life given to him or her by Almighty God.

For all the talk about which trimester is the right point at which a law may “restrict” the so-called “right to an abortion”, way too many leaders have failed to keep the actual needs of real unborn babies in the conversation at all.

These are tiny little boys and girls who are the most vulnerable of any humans in society. Protecting them from destruction should be a priority of the highest order. When the legal and political systems fail to do so, the least we can do is speak on behalf of the unborn, at every opportunity.

But that brings me to the other compelling emotion we’ve felt: Profound gratitude. Giving thanks is in the “DNA code” of the Judeo-Christian ethic that created this “cradle of the Republic” that holds so many treasures for Americans.

Each Thanksgiving season reminds us of the timeless, powerful and ongoing calling God gives us to bring thanks for our heavenly Father’s great love into every arena of life. First among these blessings is the sanctity of life. But many champions of gratitude in the Bible also faced dark, distressing circumstances that arise because of rebellion and wicked schemes. The psalms abound with examples of how the call to “Give thanks to the LORD for He is good; and His mercy endures forever” rang from the lips of men and women under great duress. This close connection between grief and gratitude sounds odd, only because we easily overlook one of the purposes of giving thanks. Vocal, bold, grateful praises are always relevant because, in giving thanks, we are declaring the ultimate conquest of God’s grace over that which is broken in this earth.

 A classic example of the grief/gratitude connection is the life of Nehemiah. He felt such deep pain over his nation, even while laboring to rebuild it from the ruins. His prayer in the 9th chapter of his book connects gratitude and grief in such a powerful way when he mourned the “stiff-necked rebellion” of the Israelites and yet immediately proclaimed: “But You are a forgiving God, gracious and compassionate, slow to anger and abounding love. Therefore, You did not desert them.” (Nehemiah 9:17b).

The parallel between his day and ours in the USA is as vivid as it could be later in his prayer, as Nehemiah confesses: “In all that has happened to us, You have remained righteous; You have acted faithfully while we acted wickedly.” (Nehemiah 9:33)

Certainly, grief and gratitude can grow together.

Grief over the loss of innocent, priceless little ones who should be among the laughing, learning, developing kids who bring us all so much joy.

Standing strong in our hearts for the invincible truth of God’s Word is fueled by being grateful. Yes, we do give thanks along with the tears we shed. Thanking God in advance for an awakening across our nation is an act of faith that we can share and celebrate any day of the week. Especially, though, we invite you to join your voice in grateful praises as we worship together tomorrow morning.

Voice of the Martyrs informs believers globally about the severe adversities that many followers of Jesus face as they seek to be faithful to God’s call while living under oppressive regimes, where torture, deprivation and assaults upon their lives, homes and families is a brutal reality. We pray in solidarity with fellow believers throughout the world for those who face such opposition, as Hebrews 13:3 says: “Remember the prisoners as if chained with them – those who are mistreated – since your yourselves are in the body also.”