America Catches Her Breath; Time to Choose
On Saturday, July 13, Americans woke up. Exhausted by years of the most divisive cultural atmosphere in recent history, we’re almost numb. And then we witnessed a crucible moment that turned the page in American history. A bullet aimed to kill, not only former President Donald Trump, but also the foundational vision of American freedom that he and millions of Americans want back again.
But like so many moments in the wild story of America, God intervened.
A Western Journal article compares that moment to the “shot heard round the world” which described the opening volley at the battles of Lexington and Concord in 1775, sparking the American Revolution: The Shot Heard 'Round the World: Trump, Courage and the Spirit of Washington.
Those iconic photos speak a million words. President Trump with fist up, blood streaming down his face, a face filled with resolve. That image defines this moment. “Like (Gen. George) Washington, Trump’s unwavering resolve in the face of mortal danger symbolizes a continuation of the American spirit—a spirit forged in the fires of revolution, tempered by trials, and continually rejuvenated by those who dare to lead with courage and conviction,” writes Phil Hotsenpiller for The Western Journal.
Where we choose to go from here is a critical decision.
Saturday's violent assassination attempt reminds us just how precious life really is. There’s no room for hateful and aggressive rhetoric toward those with whom we disagree. What will heal and restore unity (even amid disagreement), is love and respect for one another and humility under our Creator.
Former First Lady Melania Trump’s statement to the world is a great reminder of this. We are using her beautiful words as our blog this week. Melania embodies the spirit of Americanism and what we all should be striving for. God Bless you and God Bless America! ~ Kim
Statement from Melania Trump on July 14, 2024:
I am thinking of you, now, my fellow Americans.
We have always been a unique union. America, the fabric of our gentle nation is tattered, but our courage and common sense must ascend and bring us back together as one.
When I watched that violent bullet strike my husband, Donald, I realized my life, and Barron's life, were on the brink of devastating change. I am grateful to the brave secret service agents and law enforcement officials who risked their own lives to protect my husband.
To the families of the innocent victims who are now suffering from this heinous act, I humbly offer my sincerest sympathy. Your need to summon your inner strength for such a terrible reason saddens me.
A monster who recognized my husband as an inhuman political machine attempted to ring out Donald's passion - his laughter, ingenuity, love of music, and inspiration. The core facets of my husband's life - his human side - were buried below the political machine. Donald, the generous and caring man who I have been with through the best of times and the worst of times.
Let us not forget that differing opinions, policy, and political games are inferior to love. Our personal, structural, and life commitment - until death - is at serious risk. Political concepts are simple when compared to us human beings.
We are all humans, and fundamentally, instinctively, we want to help one another. American politics are only one vehicle that can uplift our communities. Love, compassion, kindness and empathy are necessities.
And let us remember that when the time comes to look beyond the left and the right, beyond the red and the blue, we all come from families with the passion to fight for a better life together, while we are here, in this earthly realm.
Dawn is here again. Let us reunite. Now.
This morning, ascend above the hate, the vitriol, and the simple-minded ideas that ignite violence. We all want a world where respect is paramount, family is first, and Jove transcends. We can realize this world again. Each of us must demand to get it back. We must insist that respect fills the cornerstone of our relationships, again.
I am thinking of you, my fellow Americans.
The winds of change have arrived. For those of you who cry in support, I thank you. I commend those of you who have reached out beyond the political divide - thank you for remembering that every single politician is a man or a woman with a loving family.