NOW Is The Time

Quick! Can you identify the object at the left?

Answer: It's a 1957 Underwood typewriter. Just like the one I used in my high school junior year/2nd year typing class. (Oh, shoot, I think I just gave away my age.)

Take a close look at the keys. Notice how each row is on a different level? That's the machine on which I learned to type. Well, not exactly that one. It would be its predecessor in 1955 and 1956. Compare that to today's computer keyboard and—eek!—the laptop keyboard. No wonder I have to have something at the rear of my laptop to elevate the keyboard at an angle that almost approximates those ancient typewriters. (Should I tell you that I graduated with a 125cwpm typing speed? Got the pin to prove it.)

Okay, that's not where my original thinking was headed when I started this post. Anyone who has taken high school typing remember the speed test? Now is the time for all good men to come to the aid of their party. If I remember correctly, in the class I took the teacher had a different last word:

Now is the time for all good men to come to the aid of their country.

In my senior year, Israel was just a little over six years old and beset on all sides with powers that were determined to annihilate her. My Bible teacher sent a letter to President Eisenhower: Do not forsake Israel!

Well, I digress. Or not.

I'm not a political activist. I'm not one who gets up on a podium and leads a protest or a campaign in favor or against this or that. I don't have the words . . . or the nerve.

I am not happy about the man that sits behind the desk in the Oval Office of our White House. But I do respect the office itself. The Bible tells us to pray for and support our leaders. At this moment that's very hard for me. Even harder than it was for Bill Clinton, and God knows how hard that was for me. For two terms.

But I must say this: the future of America as a Republic is in the hands of us as Christians. My mind keeps reciting our Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag, and the words " . . . and to the Republic for which she stands . . ." The Flag is a reverent symbol of everything we fought for almost 250 years ago. That waving banner of red, white and blue represents the heart of America.

PRAY, America! Pray. I repeat:

Now is the time for all good men [and women] to come to the aid of their country.

48 years ago, Kennedy had it right: "And so, my fellow Americans: ask not what your country can do for you - ask what you can do for your country."

Is it too late? I fear the first part of JFK's remark is the first and foremost goal of most of America today. A hands-out "what can you do for me?" mentality.

It scares me.

Thank you, Peggy Blann Phifer of Sips' n Cups Cafe for this excellent article!
(c) 2009 Peggy Blann Phifer All Rights Reserved Worldwide