LETTERS: IT'S TIME FOR US TO HEAL OUR NATION

To the editor:

It was my privilege and honor to attend services at Old St. Vincent's Church June 25 to pray for peace in America. One by one, each state and every soul who lives there were remembered in prayer. What a wonderful thing to do.

After the service, I thought how sad that only 21 people attended. My glass being half empty, I quickly determined in my own heart to remember what God can and will do with 21 souls who were kneeling in fervent prayer for our nation and its people.

As Christians, we serve a God of second chances. So as we celebrate the Declaration of Independence, surely it's time to stop and consider the Christian principles our nation was built on and what we have allowed it to become -- principles like:

Am I my brother's keeper?

Who is my neighbor?

Is love really the greatest gift?

How much is required of those who have something to share?

Am I ready to forgive as I am forgiven?

Isaiah 53:5 says he was wounded for our transgressions, bruised for iniquities. The chastisement of our peace was upon him, and by his stripes we are healed.

It is time for each of us, in our own way, to being to help heal our nation.

GOLDIE PENDER BENEFIELD

Cape Girardeau