I recently finished a book about the 1907 Panic on Wall Street. The great thing about looking at yesterday is that you know that you survived! You are alive. You have people that care about you in your life. You can still exercise the freedom that is within. In 1907, there were those that were able to see the moment at hand in context of the lessons of the past. They knew the lessons. They recognized the moment at hand. They executed a plan.
I have my doubts about today. I am not sure we know the lessons of yesterday. I wonder if we recognize where we are. We seem to have a plan to do a plan, but no plan with substance.
Today’s doubts are not all bad news. The process of 1907 started with individuals recognizing the moment and where things stood. Nothing stops us from taking the same approach.
You and I have the ability to take action. Freedom exists for every individual. At times it comes with a price, however for those willing to pay, there is a chance to act.
Our history consistently tells us two things. God has and will continue to be engaged in life’s events. In days long ago, Good “took good care of them [Israel] for nearly forty years in that godforsaken wilderness and then, having wiped out seven enemies who stood in the way, gave them the land of Canaan for their very own—a span in all of about 450 years.” (Acts 13.19, 20) In your life and mine, God is present.
Secondly, we are members of the family. The family extends across cultural, economic, and geographic boundaries. Every person is a child of God.
If we add the two pieces, being part of the family and God engaged in family events, we can look at the present with confidence that God has and will be with us. The moment at hand is our opportunity. We can strive to make the world a better place. We have the freedom. We can put our ideals in motion.
