In elementary school, I remember putting my hand on my heart and singing “America the Beautiful”. The words themselves are beautiful – a poem written by Katharine Lee Bates and later adapted to song with music composed by church choirmaster Samuel A. Ward. A patriotic song -yes, but I would argue that its scope is grander and its themes are not limited to one country.
My favorite words have always been “God shed His Grace on thee,
And crown thy good with brotherhood
From sea to shining sea!”
Some of the physical characteristics described in the poem have changed over time and will continue to change. That is guaranteed here as it is in every country of the world. What has not changed is its potential for all the noble characteristics outlined in the poem. That potential exists and will always exists in the heart of every American and every human being.
I remember at some point in time being astonished seeing “In God We Trust” on the dollar bill. I was astonished and moved that even the almighty American dollar paid obeisance to the Almighty. Was that always there and I never noticed? When did I forget?
The real currency of America has and always will be love. Acceptance of people who are different than “us,” tolerance of them, allowance of assimilation - is love which manifests as brotherhood.
America is a shining example of what is possible with Brotherhood.
Whether we are speaking of the world, countries, communities, or families the above applies. The only currency that matters is Love and one of its manifestations is Brotherhood.
Vocal Artists: Alan Jackson, Ray Charles, One Voice Children's Choir, Anthem Lights
America the Beautiful by Katharine Lee Bates |
O beautiful for spacious skies,
For amber waves of grain,
For purple mountain majesties
Above the fruited plain!
America! America!
God shed His grace on thee,
And crown thy good with brotherhood
From sea to shining sea!
O beautiful for pilgrim feet
Whose stern impassion'd stress
A thoroughfare for freedom beat
Across the wilderness
America! America!
God mend thine ev'ry flaw,
Confirm thy soul in self-control,
Thy liberty in law.
O beautiful for heroes prov'd
In liberating strife,
Who more than self their country lov'd,
And mercy more than life.
America! America!
May God thy gold refine
Till all success be nobleness,
And ev'ry gain divine.
O beautiful for patriot dream
That sees beyond the years
Thine alabaster cities gleam
Undimmed by human tears.
America! America!
God shed His grace on thee,
And crown thy good with brotherhood
From sea to shining sea.