A Reflection on Change: America's 250th Birthday

As we celebrate the 250th birthday of our nation we can reflect on how many changes have happened over these years. From Eli Whitney’s Cotton Gin in 1794 to Thomas Edison's lightbulb in 1879 to the 30-ton ENIAC computer in 1946 to today’s smartphones and technological advancements  - all redefine how Americans live, work, and communicate.

Some changes were good like the end of slavery, and the positive advances of the Civil Rights movement. Others not good, like removing the Bible from public schools, the legalization of abortion, and accepting as “normal” many of the sins the Bible warns us about.

In two days my son, who lives in Lancaster, is going with me to see “Joshua” at Sight and Sound. I was sitting in my garden this morning and decided to read the first three chapters of Joshua to set my mind toward what we will see. Joshua 1: 7-8 says, “Be strong and very courageous. Be careful to obey all the law my servant Moses gave you; do not turn from it to the right or to the left, that you may be successful wherever you go.  Keep this Book of the Law always on your lips; meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do everything written in it. Then you will be prosperous and successful.”

Shortly after reading this, my husband and I came together for our morning prayer time. He didn’t know what I was just reading, yet during prayer, he asked for what the Lord has been laying on his heart—for all of us as Christians to be bold and courageous as we stand for our faith in our society.

At Crossroads, our staff and volunteers are boldly and courageously serving in love and grace. Some days it seems we are standing against insurmountable odds until we remember we serve the God of the impossible...who’s grace and mercy have no limits. 

We can pray that future changes in America will not turn away from His word “to the right or the left” so that we, as a nation, can succeed. But whatever may come, walking in His light and shining it into the darkness of this world is exactly where I want to be. How about you?

Cindy Mansberger, Executive Director