“Reflecting on the special patriotic hymn, America the Beautiful, provides so much for us to ponder. Given America’s present circumstances, certain of that hymn’s lyric phrases are actually quite haunting; as we sing for instance of a “patriot dream that sees beyond the years”, it reminds us of the special perspective which patriotism possesses.
True patriotism takes the long view of this nation’s needs. For instance, what does this reminding lyric tell us about our constant and collective refusal, regardless of party, to face America’s mounting national debt, and our destabilizing budget deficit? By this persistent lack of national resolve in our time, we are robbing our children and grandchildren, however silently, of their economic freedom and future. We cannot seem to see beyond the political moment, let alone, beyond the years. Indeed, the patriot’s dream may be replaced by some nightmares.
James Wilson, one of our founding fathers, urged the delegates to the constitutional convention of 1787, to look beyond their own time and constituencies, to the needs of generations yet unborn. They did it! And all succeeding generations were blessed. Patriotism which sees beyond the years, leaves legacies to rising generations instead of debt. It leaves a clean turn, not the debris of a selfish society.
(J.R.R.) Tolkien wisely counselled, saying, “It is not our part to master all the tides of the world, but to do what is in us for the succor of those years wherein we are set; uprooting the evil in the fields that we know, so that those who live after may have clean earth to till. What weather they shall have is not ours to rule.”
– Neal A. Maxwell, “Our True Need for True Patriotism”, Provo Freedom Festival Fireside, July 4, 1993
Category Archives: Neal A. Maxwell
Neal A. Maxwell – God’s Power is Felt in Our Weakness
“There may be those who choose to debate the significance of whether or not an omnipotent God gives us a particular trial or simply declines to remove it. The outcome is obviously the same either way; God is willing for … Continue reading →
Neal A. Maxwell – God Will Increase Our Capability
“God does not begin by asking about our ability, but only about our availability, and if we then prove our dependability, He will increase our capability.” Neal A. Maxwell
Continue reading →Neal A. Maxwell – Object is for our wills to be finally swallowed up
“In either situation, the object is for our wills to be finally swallowed up in the will of the Father” (Msh. 15:7), eventually bringing to us the joys gladly given by the Father and constituting “all that He hath” (Gen. … Continue reading →
Neal A. Maxwell – Ratcheting up the degree of difficulty of our discipleship
“The Master Mentor has comfortingly promised “I will lead you along” (D&C 78:18). He has also said, ‘Ye cannot bear all things now’ (D&C 78:18). Ponder, however, the implications of the word now. Precisely because He loves us, on occasion … Continue reading →
Neal A. Maxwell – I should have seen it coming
“The paradox of this divine tutorial also includes afflictions of some kind. Because Elder Maxwell was such a faithful student of discipleship, I draw again from him: “The very act of choosing to be a disciple . . . can … Continue reading →
Neal A. Maxwell on Service
“The less love, the less service.” Neal A. Maxwell, All These Things Shall Give thee Experience.
Continue reading →Neal A. Maxwell on Trying Again
“Resilience is part of repentance, showing we have faith to try again – whether in a task or in a relationship.” Neal A. Maxwell, The Promise of Discipleship, pp. 73.
Continue reading →Neal A. Maxwell on Pre-Existence
“Of course, when we mortals try to comprehend, rather than merely accept, foreordination, the result is one in which finite minds futilely try to comprehend omniscience. A full understanding is impossible; we simply have to trust in what the Lord … Continue reading →
Neal A. Maxwell on Foreordination
“Thus foreordination is clearly no excuse for fatalism or arrogance or the abuse of agency. It is not, however, a doctrine that can simply be ignored because it is difficult. Indeed, deep inside the hardest doctrines are some of the … Continue reading →