Spiritual Things Matter

There comes a time in a nations history when its core values must be re-visited, re-energized, and re-enthroned, in order for that nation to endure. ~SOR Foundation

I am preparing a speech for my Toastmasters club meeting this Thursday, and I have decided to speak about the Statue of Responsibility and how this vision came about.

In his book, Man’s Search for Meaning, Victor Frankl said, “Freedom is in danger of degenerating into mere arbitrariness unless it is lived in terms of responsibleness. That is why I recommend that the Statue of Liberty on the East Coast be supplemented with a Statue of Responsibility on the West Coast.”

If you have never read Man’s Search for Meaning by Victor E. Frankl, I would highly recommend it to you, as well as to all those that have ever suffered. It has deeply touched my life and brought understanding and clarity to many of my own questions and pain.

It was upon reading this book, that I found out about this very ambitious project that is underway. I have the Foundation site linked on my blogroll under Statue of Responsibility and Victor Frankl’s Vision, and I periodically keep my eye on it to see what the latest developments are. Yesterday, however, I wrote some e-mails to President and CEO, Daniel Bolz, asking what the latest developments are since I wanted to give my audience on Thursday some updated facts. Mr. Bolz wrote back with updated information that was very helpful and important to know. The project is doing well and moving forward. I will now get involved as a volunteer myself to heighten public awareness about this project. Everything about it inspires me!

Here is a link to their site if you are interested in looking at it more closely.

They have a new program called “Pennies for Freedom” which is specifically designed for schools. It is my goal to get with the right people in order for all schools in our area, and the Houston area at large, to become aware of this project. What an inspiration for our children!

Daniel Bolz, the CEO and President of the Foundation, is also available to give presentations about this project to audiences. If you have any connections with companies, churches, or any institutions to set up such a meeting, please feel free to contact him directly at 801-990-3130 dbolz@SORfoundation.org., or, you may contact me. There are a number of ways to get involved if you would like to do so.

This book, which just has been published will tell you more about the project. Purchasing the book will also help build this monument.

“The Statue of Liberty has become a symbol of liberty, both in America and throughout the world. Its counterpart, the Statue of Responsibility, will likewise serve as a symbol – a visible representation and call to responsibility – both in America and abroad. These two principles – liberty and responsibility – when linked together, will help engender and secure freedom for the present generation and for generations yet unborn, wherever the thirst for freedom exists. Only by balancing Liberty and Responsibility can Freedom be sustained.”

I would maintain that thanks are the highest form of thought; and that gratitude is happiness doubled by wonder. ~G.K. Chesterton

This Thanksgiving season, one is so mindful again of the freedom that the western countries still enjoy. Thankfulness abounds in our hearts as America continues to enjoy her freedom in spite of the onslaught of hatred from those who envy that freedom and therefore want to attack and destroy it.

I am also mindful of the soldiers who bravely fight and die for this freedom that we hold so close and dear to our hearts. Freedom does not just happen but is earned through the dedication and love of our countrymen. It gives its people the many options to become who they would like to be. It gives avenues of expression that those who live in countries that are led by tyrants, could not even imagine would be possible.

In thankfulness, we acknowledge the great opportunity of education. One is grateful that our children are still free to obtain a meaningful and lasting education, whether that education comes from our public schools or from other avenues a parent might choose. This advantage is a direct by-product of a free society and should never be taken for granted. Many foreigners come to our land to obtain an excellent education which broadens their own opportunities. One is thankful that we have the freedom to read any literature available in our many libraries and book stores, without any fear of reprisal.

America is the home of many beliefs and numerous religions. One can only be thankful that the search for “truth” is an option open to all who desire it. We are free to worship God, the God of Love that is, in any form we desire. With that search for “truth” comes a desire to change oneself. To grow through self-honesty and to become kinder to those with whom we are in contact is a direct by-product of such an honorable search. The search for “truth” brings great responsibility, for truth will demand growth and change, be it on a personal level or on a national or global level. It will bring mankind into greater awareness of all that is still possible and within our reach.

As we sat at our Thanksgiving tables this year and looked at those whom we love and cherish, I pray that our hearts will have become, once again, keenly aware, with deep gratitude for the many, many wonderful gifts that we have been given. Let us pray that these same gifts will open our hearts and cause us to grow in greater awareness and in that growth, recognize the awesome responsibility that comes with such an awareness.

I wish all of my dear readers an unceasing Thanksgiving Heart!