Generations Past

TIMES photograph by Annette Beard Fireworks from the 2016 Freedom Fest fireworks show.
TIMES photograph by Annette Beard Fireworks from the 2016 Freedom Fest fireworks show.

Warren Foxworthy II

Special to The TIMES

In generations past, America was good

She founded her beliefs in God -- as every nation should

Her laws were based upon His law, her value system, too

And more than words, "In God we trust," became her motto true

In generations past, America was grand

With open arms and torch held high, she welcomed every man

The colors that she proudly waved united all her states

With stars that stood for tolerance, and stripes of love, not hate

In generations past, America was great

With "amber waves of grain" that promised food for every plate

And even 'midst the years of lean, her patriots still were there

Discovering strength and fortitude through faith in God and prayer

In generations past, America was pure

She was "One nation under God," established and secure

Her righteousness took root from holy seeds the pilgrims planted,

While her right to worship was a freedom she never took for granted

In generations past, America was true

And quick to tell of God's great deeds to generations new

In breathless wonder she's recount, with great anticipation,

How men -- inspired from above -- took steps to build this nation

Oh, yes, this country then was good, 'twas grand, great, pure and true

But something changed her from the land our forefathers once knew

Now silently she just sits there and tells no one her story

and those who pass can scarcely guess as to her fame and glory

For generations passed, you see, and America no longer

Holds onto the hand of God that's kept her safe and made her stronger

Those principles and high ideals by which she once avowed

Have one by one been compromised in deference to the crowd

How could we fall so far from God's abiding grace?

A nation that once served the lord now rarely seeks His face

Oh, that we once again would fall upon our knees in prayer

And, reaching out, discover that the Father still is there

Yes, He is there, prepared to take his prodigal back in

If we would just in true humility confess our sin

The time is now, America, to reclaim your liberty

Turn back to God that He again might shed His grace on thee!

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Editor's note: Warren E. Foxworthy II is pastor of the Pea Ridge Nazarene Church and works at the Pea Ridge Community Library.

Religion on 07/06/2016