We are in a holiday season in these states, that celebrate many victories. Thanksgiving came about only because of people being dissatisfied with their former government, their ability to make a living, and how they were denied the opportunity to practice and preach their own personal beliefs.

These ways of life were so important to families across the Atlantic..that they gambled their entire lives to pursue liberty and a democracy. Today, if we re-read the stories, we are reminded of strife of hunger, disease, and frustration.

Celebration came when change came….and change was separating government and religion, respecting others rights (as Jesus and other leaders spoke of) and, again, learning to live together.

Some days it is evident we have come a long way….the road has been rocky, ugly, and bloody, but those before us, being united for common goals, have constructed a foundation to guide us for years to come.

Democracy…..allows us the freedoms to choose how we live, under a series of
laws created in all of our best interests. Since we did not come to these shores ‘united’, we have and are still learning to live together.

Racial tension and religion seem to be the toughest to deal with. In 2 or 3 more generations, it is my opinion, racial problems will be a thing of the past. Our youth, for the most part are blending into one beautiful and content group and I am so proud of them.

Fairness, however, is sorely lacking, as seen by outbursts in Ferguson, Mo., Oakland, Ca., and other cities. It warms my heart to see neighbors beginning to help neighbors by talking, cleaning, and preparing as a unified city begins to heal.

So as we all begin tomorrow, when we hear the latest on CNN and FOX, let there be a pledge to remember others……remember those who have lost family members to violence, and chose not to take to the street. Remember those who have lost family members to drugs and chose not to blame blindly. Remember those who have lost family members to gunfire from unknown origins, and chose not to burn their stores and hurt the innocent.

These are also the suffering, who painfully live their daily lives just as lonely and distraught as the families in Ferguson, and Oakland, and Detroit.

We have laws, we have our vote, we have our neighbors, and our church. It is kind of like receiving a recipe from a friend and finding out it isn’t as good as they said…..just because you have the recipe doesn’t mean you have to use it over and over. If it’s bad, it’s bad, get a new recipe….Same with your town, your city council, your neighborhood, and yes, your kids.

It’s time…..like getting the baby to sleep all night by letting them cry themselves to sleep. You’ll feel guilty, won’t like the screaming, and the following of rules, but that too will pass, and like the baby, it will be quiet once again.