Choir Notes

One Nation Under God

From Music and the Spoken Word

Delivered By Lloyd D. Newell on September 16, 2001 • Program 3761

 Tragedy has knocked at our nation’s Golden Door. The dust fell so thick, and so heavy, we felt it all around us, even though we’re hundreds of miles away. With you and with others all across our land, we grieve—and we pray.

Lady Liberty may be surrounded by ashes, but she still stands. And her light shines in the hearts of Americans who rally to the aid of those who suffer. Her light shines in the hundreds who lined up at the local Red Cross, ready and waiting—for three hours and more—to give blood to someone they don’t know on the other side of the country. Her light shines in the unnumbered throngs who have gathered in prayer today. Her light shines in memory of those who have died.

Our nation has overcome tragedy before. And we will rise triumphant again. The words of Abraham Lincoln echo through the ages: “Let us strive . . . to bind up the nation’s wounds,

. . . to do all which may achieve and cherish a just and lasting peace among ourselves and with all nations.”1

We are “one nation under God,”2 and we turn to Him for peace and hope. He is the balm that will heal the wound. He is the calm in the midst of the storm. He has comforted His people through the ages. To Joshua of old, and to each of us today, His promise is sure: “I will not fail thee, nor forsake thee. . . . Be strong and of a good courage; be not afraid, neither be thou dismayed: for the Lord thy God is with thee whithersoever thou goest.”3

1 Second Inaugural Address (1865).

2 Pledge of Allegiance (United States of America).

3 Joshua 1:5,9.