Friday.....America.....Admiration But Not Dependency

I've mentioned tea parties a few times in recent blogs and it may sound as if I'm not enthused about them, but I am. This is democracy as it should be, not simply taking a poll and legislating the results, but adding every individual voice that desires so to a growing outcry of perceived grievances. More power to them and the audacious stalwarts who organize them. My concern in this area is in developing a dependency on the tea parties or failing to see their limitations and this same principle goes for Rush Limbaugh or any statesman that carries the banner of freedom and liberty. It applies also to Christian leaders who are direct blessings given to us by an omniscient God. George W. Bush did not perfectly act out his calling of noblesse oblige but he was the man of the hour when we needed him and if history retains its obeisance to truth, he will be acknowledged in such a way. Martin Luther had foibles but he started a fire of reformation that opened the gospel up to the common people of which I am a lifetime member. Winston Churchill made numerous mistakes but was the driving force against Totalitarianism in the 20th century and Ronald Reagan was limited in his administering but had a discerning vision and profound oratory that still uplifts the American spirit. As much as we admire them we cannot rest on their laurels nor ignore their humanity. When Oliver Cromwell died, England essentially collapsed, for a time. Our only dependency should be upon God and I would think that the prayers for our leaders would be for their dependency upon Him also. If the leaders or movements that we admire should pass from the scene or fail, we have to be there to pick up the banner. Indeed, we are looking for some who can lead America with wisdom but we need a wise citizenry even more.