Editor:

There is an old saying that “sticks and stones can break my bones but words can never harm me.” This saying is not true; there are words that cut to the bone.

There are many people who are struggling to make it, and words of a possible utopia are incredibly enticing. Words like “We will take care of you even if you don’t want to work, we will give you free health care, we will provide free education for your children, if you find yourself pregnant and a baby does fit not into your lifestyle — we can take care of that too.” It’s almost too good to be true!

These words do not come from those who will pray for us, but rather from those who will prey upon us. There are better words upon which one can fasten his/her dreams, and they have been tested for thousands of years: “The Lord is my shepherd I shall not want” or “Come unto Me all ye that are heavy laden and I will give you rest.” In these words one can find hope that builds character and they do not come from a deceiving tongue.

There are many protesters today whose words demean the country. Nathan Hale, however, said this, “I regret that I have but one life to give for my country.” He saw a new land where people were going to be free. I don’t know whether or not at this time he saw this freedom for the slaves, but in a land of freedom emancipation was bound to come. His words inspire patriotism … God bless America!

There are words of evil and words of hope that compete for our minds and hearts. Some of these words are from the “ … roaring lion that walks about seeking whom he may devour,” I Peter 5:8. Other words come from Him who is, “ … the way, the truth and the life,” John 14:6. In the coming months our future will hang on whether or not we can discern between the two.

Lewis Brandt

Dillwyn