President's Day Ponderings 2

In keeping with the President's Day theme, today I'm going to blog about our 16th president, Abraham Lincoln.  He was president at a very difficult time in our nation's history, & was both loved & hated by different factions. I'm going to try & have Lincoln tell his story through his own words. Welcome back to "memory lane".



Lincoln knew the secret of living "One Day at a Time".

Lincoln had many obstacles to overcome growing up, but persevered through all of them, allowing them to mold him into a stronger person of character.


Lincoln was very practical & simple in his approach!

Lincoln knew what "absolute power" could do to a man!

Lincoln was elected  president during a tumultuous time in our nation's history. The nation was sharply divided over the issues of
slavery & state's rights. This was truly a time that tried men's souls.

Lincoln stood firm on his convictions that All Men are Created Equal!

Ewe know that it comes down to how Ewe look at things !
 

The Civil War weighed heavily upon Lincoln. The Battle of Gettysburg was really difficult & he traveled to Gettysburg to speak. On the way there, he scribbled his thoughts down , which later became known as the famous Gettysburg Address.

In a speech a little over 2 minutes, Lincoln capsulized the struggle!

Unity is critical for a nation to move forward & accomplish great things!

Lincoln had his belief system indelibly etched in his speeches. When he was running for office & while in office, he looked to God & the Bible for guidance. 

"Whatever you do, do all to the glory of God!"

He seemed to know that "perfect love casts out all fear"!

"Honor your father & your mother."

The following quotes,  taken from Lincoln's life, give further evidence of his reliance on the Sovereign God of the Scriptures.

The President responded very impressively, saying that he was deeply sensible of his need of Divine assistance. He had sometime thought that perhaps he might be an instrument in God's hands of accomplishing a great work and he certainly was not unwilling to be.  (remarks to a delegation of progressive friends.)

In regard to this Great Book, I have but to say, it is the best gift God has given to man. All the good the Savior gave to the world was communicated through this book. But for it we could not know right from wrong. All things most desirable for man's welfare, here and hereafter, are to be found portrayed in it.( In response to receiving a Bible from the Loyal Colored People of Baltimore.)

The evacuation of Petersburg and Richmond, and the surrender of the principal insurgent army, give hope of a righteous and speedy peace whose joyous expression can not be restrained. In the midst of this, however, He, from Whom all blessings flow, must not be forgotten. A call for a national thanksgiving is being prepared, and will be duly promulgated.(Last Public Address.)

Sheep are similar to Lincoln , in that they are subject to many trials in their lifetime. Fortunately, they have discovered, as did Lincoln,  that they have a Shepherd to go to.

When life gives Ewe lemons, make Lemonade!

As we look back into our history, it's nice to see God's hand upon our leaders , especially during times with the most difficult of circumstances! Try to remember that as Ewe face the troubles that the day may inevitably bring.

 "The name of the Lord is a strong tower: the righteous run into it, and is safe." Proverbs 18:10