As I recently tweeted (@chucknorris), I read through the book "The Miracle of Freedom: Seven Tipping Points that Saved the World," by Chris and Ted Stewart. I highly recommend it.
Immediately afterward, I started reading their other book, "Seven Miracles That Saved America," and I have been equally inspired by it. But it has prompted me to wonder: Is there an eighth miracle coming and needed to save our republic again?
It seems somewhat audacious to point out seven pivotal moments in America without which America wouldn't be America. But it's hard to argue with the Stewarts on the critical events that they've expounded upon and argued for masterfully, especially from our vantage point and with their compelling evidence. Hindsight is certainly 20/20.
There's no doubt that America has teetered on the brink many times in its history. Where would we be if the dial of circumstances had been turned just slightly on the following seven events alone -- those they address in the book? Where would we be if the outcomes had not been as they were?
--Christopher Columbus' improbable discovery of America.
--The epic survival of the first English colonists at Jamestown despite the onslaught of starvation and other fatal foes.
--Gen. George Washington and the Continental Army's Battle of New York during the Revolutionary War.
--The astounding conception and formation of the United States Constitution.
--Abraham Lincoln's plea with the Almighty that turned the tide of the Civil War at Gettysburg.
--The astonishing events that altered the course of the Battle of Midway in June 1942 during World War II.
--The extension of freedom around the world because Ronald Reagan's life and presidency were spared miraculously after an assassination attempt.
The Stewarts make a compelling and inspirational case that those crucial events were not coincidental, but providential. The authors asked the question, Has God repeatedly intervened in the affairs of men and preserved the United States of America? Atheists would argue "no." But the Stewarts and I and millions of other Americans would answer with a resounding "yes." No doubt, America, God has shed his grace upon thee.
I'm reminded of a quote that was brought up in their book by Benjamin Franklin, who often is pitched in progressive circles as one who didn't believe in the Almighty's intervention in human affairs. But Franklin was particularly eloquent on the matter and the power of prayer in government, as he addressed those who attended the Constitutional Convention:
"In the beginning of the contest with Britain, when we were sensible of danger, we had daily prayers in this room for the divine protection. Our prayers, sir, were heard; and they were graciously answered. All of us who were engaged in the struggle must have observed frequent instances of a superintending Providence in our favor. To that kind Providence we owe this happy opportunity of consulting in peace on the means of establishing our future national felicity. And have we now forgotten that powerful friend? Or do we imagine we no longer need its assistance? I have lived, sir, a long time; and the longer I live the more convincing proofs I see of this truth: that God governs in the affairs of men. And if a sparrow cannot fall to the ground without his notice, is it probable that an empire can rise without his aid?"
It's a question that needs to continue to ring from the corridors of Congress to the halls of the White House, our public schools and homes: "And have we now forgotten that powerful friend?"
(In November, the House of Representatives is expected to vote on HR 13, legislation introduced by Rep. Randy Forbes to reaffirm "In God We Trust" as the official motto of the United States and support and encourage its display in public buildings and schools. Please contact your representative to support the legislation.)
Readers might not agree with every angle of the authors' conclusions, but no investigator of world civilizations can deny the exceptional origin, history and nature of the United States of America. The Stewarts make a statement in the book that sums up most patriots' feelings about our country: "No man is perfect, and neither is any nation. Yet, despite our weakness, we are still, as Abraham Lincoln said, the best nation ever given to man. Despite our faults, this nation is still the last, best hope of earth."
How contrary those sentiments appear to be to those of our current president, in light of his global apologies for America, lack of spirit for American exceptionalism, denial of America's Judeo-Christian majority and promise to "fundamentally transform the United States of America."
President Barack Obama has kept that promise. He is carrying out his agenda and mission. And if he's allowed another four years in office, I believe there will not be a remnant of our republic that he and his administration will have not overturned.
That is why I also believe we need an eighth miracle to save America -- a providential and pivotal moment that spares our country from falling off into four more years of the Obama transformational abyss.
The chapter has not been written. But a decade down the road, will our hindsight reveal that inspirational and historical miracle? My wife, Gena, and I hope and pray so.
In my next column, I will explain what I believe that eighth miracle could be. Forgive the anticipation. But until then, will you imagine for yourself what that eighth American wonder might look like?
I feel as if we are standing at a crossroads similar to that at which George Washington stood when he wrote to James Madison in 1786, just a few years before the first president's inauguration: "No morn ever dawned more favorable than ours did; and no day was ever more clouded than the present! Wisdom, and good examples are necessary at this time to rescue the political machine from the impending storm."
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