Return to national humility

So we Americans are enjoying our most prosperous time in history, are we? Who should get the praise for this?

Some would credit the astute fiscal policies of Bill Clinton’s administration. Others say it is due to the business and financial savvy of the people themselves. Still others might send a dozen roses to their personal brokers, bookies or astrologers.

Self-congratulations, whatever form they take, are sadly the cancer that inevitably grows on the good news of the U.S. economy. How different from the spokespersons of old, most notably presidents like Washington and Lincoln, who were forever giving thanks and praise to the Almighty. They believed in providential favor, that a nation that prospers does so only by divine grace. In good times and bad, these leaders often called for days or weeks of national prayer for humility, forgiveness and unity. Where have these earnest prayers gone?

It would be truly wonderful if, as the holiday season approaches, we could rediscover the true meaning of humility. Humility was born in a manger and the world has never been the same since.

Everett