Hope, Anger, Courage

There is a saying, “Hope deferred makes the heart sick, but a longing fulfilled is a tree of life."

Have you ever hoped for something with all your heart? Longed for something or someone so much that it seemed the unfulfilled desire would consume you? When we are denied the object for which we hope, our heart is downcast and, generally, we will carry that heaviness until the fulfillment of our longing. There is never a guarantee that our hopes will be realized but there is a means to that possible end.

For some time now, you and I have witnessed the deterioration of our Republic. The culpability for this slow demise lays at the feet of two groups of people: the elected government officials who have abused the privilege of serving; and the American citizens who were not vigilant in holding these officials accountable, allowing them to run roughshod over the Constitution.

For most of us, the light switch of our common sense was flipped sometime during the past ten years. We have become conscious of government abuse and our own complacency. Hopefully, we are now involved with others who carry this burden and are seeking ways to stop the juggernaut of runaway government. This awareness, and the yet unfulfilled hope for her restoration, has left us heartsick for America.

So, what is the remedy for our despair?

The philosopher Augustine wrote, “Hope has two beautiful daughters. Their names are anger and courage; anger at the way things are, and courage to see that they do not remain the way they are."

So, the ideas of hope, anger, and courage are inextricably linked. But how?

Anger is a scary word for many people. We have all witnessed or have been the victim of someone gripped by uncontrolled anger and seen the damage it can cause. However, have you ever considered the possibility that anger, or indignation, is a God-given emotion? That, if channeled constructively, can be instrumental in the fulfillment of hope?

And how does courage fit in? It is considered an admirable trait. Often, we have berated ourselves for not possessing the strength to confront someone or something that has been offensive or abusive. Courage is to stand in the face of threat or danger, to look it square in the eye and not back down. But courage is not energized unless we ACT, and until we do, it lies frustrated in a bud of pent-up emotion waiting to bloom.

Here’s the connection. Anger is the emotion that fuels and empowers courage. Our indignation toward wayward government, if not expressed and only contained, will leave us like a sealed-up house with a gas leak. However, if we make a bold choice to confront our abusers, demand that the will of the People be honored, and refuse to back down regardless of the cost it will exact, THEN WE CANNOT LOSE.

If our nation is to survive 2024 and beyond, it will require the voice of her people being heard and their will being made known. This is one of those extraordinary opportunities for people living in extraordinary times, to make a difference.

If there is to be a restored America, one that continues to offer future generations the opportunities and benefits of liberty and freedom, it will be the result of hopeful and indignant citizens LIKE YOU! Be very proud of your sensitivity and love for America and your fellow man. Refuse to fall under the weight of the burden, but arise, moved forward and boldly confronted the enemies of God and country!

You will never regret it.