I wanted to share once more a song I wrote last fall just before the election. There is so much to love about this our beloved country. Throughout my lifetime I have been amazed by how as a nation we stood strong and proud to be citizens of the USA. Together we could overcome all the obstacles thrown at us. Yet, over the years I have watched that which makes us strong; our diversity be transformed by the media and constant “talk, talk talk” of division become that which stands between us. What happened to us? When did we stop speaking to each other and started shouting at each other? Perhaps, I am so naive as to believe and see always the good in another; wanting to build upon that. Without losing my own faith or convictions; I have embraced many people, even debating lovingly with Muslims, Hindu, and Atheist as well as Christians.
A DIFFERENT VIEW OF LIFE
Was it the simplistic life of growing up on a farm that allows me to see the world differently? My father, was a giant of a man; though, uneducated who also saw the world as all men equal before God. Respect, dignity and honor were some of the attributes I learned from my father. Then, as an adult; I lived for a time in Mexico and came to love the courage, humility, and diligence of the Mexican people. During those years, I learned to embrace a culture as well as a people.
BATTLES FOUGHT AND WON
I have faced abuse and watched as the love of my life battled against a bipolar disorder. He lost the battle on earth; but, gained heaven because he found Christ 6 months before his tragic death. That was 22 1/2 years ago. Since then I faced defeat at times, struggles at times; I conquered a cancer that I should not have survived. I have watched my children grow into amazing young men and women. Battling a lot of illnesses, surgeries and financial distress; I was each time able to rise above it all in part because I live in this wonderful land of opportunity and hope. God has been there every step of the way.
MINISTRIES OF HOPE
God has always provided a way; perhaps, that is why I am compelled to volunteer in jail ministries to reach those whom others might cast aside, or the children’s ministries. God’s grace is why I write these posts to reach a world whom I may never meet.
A NEW PRESIDENT AND A NEW ERA
With all that being said, I am saddened by the anger, the lies, the division that I see in this the land that I love. I am proud to be an American. Yes, I voted for Donald Trump and next week I have a special poem for you that explains why. For now, I will continue to pray for him, for our nation, and for President Obama everyday.
America Great Again
by Effie Darlene Barba
In dark of night I heard the cries
The moans of the oppressed
Corruption rampant, woeful lies
While truth was ne’er addressed
Our leaders filled with prideful lust
Seeking power to control
Spewed lies of hate, mistrust
That pierced our very soul
BRIDGE:
With no remorse
They set their course
And cried You’re all to blame
Deplorable
Irredeemable
They tried to cause us shame
And right before their final blow
The truth we came to know
CHORUS:
Arising then I heard the sound
That rose from shore to shore
Shouts of hope that did abound
As all believed once more
We are a nation built on truth
A bond that holds us tight
The pride of which we taught our youth
It is our strength and might
Awakened now our hearts to sing
Afresh our song of love
As freedom’s bell begins to ring
Our flag waves high above
We, the people of this land
Diverse in many ways
As one unite to take a stand
Our minds and hearts ablaze
We slumbered, which was our mistake
Repentant of our sin
Together, hand in hand we’ll make
America Great Again
©Effie Darlene Barba, 2017
Disclosure of Material Connection: I have not received any compensation for writing this post. I have no material connection to the brands, products, or services that I have mentioned. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.