Back to the basics

I was honored to speak at the Cape County Republican Women's Club's Lincoln Day Celebration and Dinner on Saturday. The keynote speaker was former Attorney General John Ashcroft. My role was to offer a few minutes of inspiration and prayer.

If ever there was a time that begs for inspiration, it's now. I find that especially true in light of this political climate. People are concerned about our country, and many have not found any comfort in the primary elections that have raged on for what seems to be an eternity. In fact, these very elections have themselves been a source of discouragement for some. I saw a bumper sticker, for example, that read, "Everybody Sucks 2016." That may be hyperbolic, as many on the GOP side would argue that many of the 17 Republicans who ran for president were qualified and worthy of consideration. Nonetheless, it sum up the sentiments of others, who feel like this entire process has been a circus.

As it stands, however, like it or not, the Republican Party does have a presumptive nominee, as Donald Trump sealed the deal with his Indiana win last Tuesday, which resulted in the final two holdouts, Sen. Ted Cruz and Gov. John Kasich departing from the race.

Even though those riding the "Trump Train" are ecstatic, most are concerned for the nation -- many under a blanket of despondency. In fact, many boarded the train precisely because of that concern; they expect him to straighten things out.

In light of the pervading heaviness, I was asked to deliver a word that would inspire people and remind them where our true hope comes from: God. My message was broken down into three parts, and I'll provide a summary here. Perhaps you, too, will find a seed of inspiration that you can water and nurture.

I titled my brief remarks "Back to the Basics," and these basics entail three elements.

Basic No. 1: We need God

With all the challenges before us, it is essential we understand that America is divinely inspired by a Creator. We are not the greatest nation by accident. We do not have the best military by accident. We do not have the best people-resources by accident. Our Founders sought God, and God has uniquely positioned America with purpose. As much as we appreciate politicians and candidates, who offer themselves up to serve, the answer for what ails us is not another politician; it's a return to God. We face an assault on family, an attack on faith and a strain on finances. We face the threat of terrorism. People are fearful, but our best days are ahead of us if we recognize true greatness comes only with recognizing our need of God.

Basic No. 2: We need you

It's easy to get discouraged, to feel the system is rigged, to feel what we do doesn't matter. At times, we want to retreat and disengage from involvement in the culture and in politics or in whatever it is we do to effect change. Many have lost friends, as they've fought over political ideology, allowing partisanship to overpower politeness. It's been a difficult time, but we cannot run away. We have a role to play. Just as America has a divine purpose, we, too, have a divine purpose within America. For some it's running for office, for others it's campaigning for people running and for some, it's doing none of that; it may, rather, be praying and asking God to raise up people of character and integrity. Whatever your purpose, we need you.

Basic No. 3: We need one another

We were created for relationship, and we are better together. Isolation is never the answer. In trying times, we are tempted to pull away. When the intensity of the battle increases, we want to kick folks to the curb and go it alone. Wrong response. Lock arms with people of like heart. Walk alongside those who share our passion. When things look bleak, and when knives are being hurled into backs, we need to walk with people who will undergird us, stand with us and encourage us to keep the faith. We need that now.

This overview of my message to the Lincoln Day attendees Saturday is my message to all of us today -- very basic, but one that we need to remember. May we find inspiration in it to continue the fight and keep the faith.

Adrienne Ross is an editor, writer, public speaker, online radio show host, former teacher and coach, Southeast Missourian editorial board member, and owner of Adrienne Ross Communications. Reach her at aross@semissourian.com.