Accepting our Life

JaNonda and I recently watched "Lincoln", twice. Yes, I know, you may ask, "Twice?" What can I say, "It was excellent!" To me it speaks on so many levels.
1. To the war history of that time
2. To country politics of that time
3. To our personal role in life
The decisions we make have a ripple effect that affects many indirectly.  There must be strength in knowing the role you have been assigned to carry out isn't for anyone else but you!

As I watched this movie (twice) I combined it with everything else I read about our great president. I was reminded of all his turmoil, trials and loss. Not just as a president but throughout his life; losing his mother at a young age to his tragic death after passing the 13th Amendment.

How can someone, with so much happening around them, actually stay on the path? Could it be stubbornness? Perhaps. Could it be pride? Maybe. Could it be fear? Yes. Could it be faith? Certainly! If President Lincoln was filled with stubbornness the amendment would've failed. If he was full of pride and fear he would've never been as loved as he was then and is now. I give this over to his faith. Learning about his creator at a young age built a resolve deep inside.  This resolve began to slowly arise as he recognized and accepted his lot in life during the internal war torn era of America. Could there have been any person other than Mr. Lincoln that could've done the same job? I would argue no way! He was absolutely the person to be elected as our 16th President. He knew exactly what it meant when it was said "Pick up your cross daily."

In the Old Testament the Hebrew definition of Abraham is father of a multitude (nation). In the New Testament Paul declares Abraham to be our father in faith. Coincidence? Abraham Lincoln was responsible for rebirthing a nation just by getting the 13th Amendment passed. Not to mention that showing our country the obsession of staying the path of what is right and loving mercy.  Which I believe all the above was orchestrated by our Creator. This is what happens when you decidedly accept your role in life no matter how much turmoil it may bring. Let’s be willing to pick up our cross, daily.  It could be lonely most of our life but somewhere we will reap the rewards.  However, be willing to accept, it might not be from the same arena that generates the turmoil.

posted by Chuck Collins