America Will Not Fail

Recently, I finished reading Driven West:  Andrew Jackson and the Trail of Tears to the Civil War, written by J.J. Langguth, published by Simon and Schuster.  Most Americans know very little about this period in their history and I found that my understanding of the politics of that time greatly increased my understanding of what the early Saints were experiencing during the Kirtland period.

I was most surprised by the many quotes from newspapers and politicians as they battled to find ways to balance the budget and repay the national debt.  It all sounded so very familiar!  What I came away believing is that crisises come and crisises go.  Things were difficult for many people during the debt crisis of the early 1800's, but the nation rebounded and we have continued to be a strong influence in the world for almost 200 year.  Our national issues are serious, but we may be making a mistake when we think that pessimism is the best way to persuade others of the importance of our viewpoint.  If we focus on the positive, we can see beyond the challenges of the time we live in and envision a future that can still be productive.  President Harold B. Lee told us of the importance of focusing our sights on the positive, even in a crisis.

"Men may fail in this country, earthquakes may come, seas may heave beyond their bounds, there may be great drought, disaster, and hardship, but this nation, founded on principles laid down by men whom God raised up, will never fail.  This is the cradle of humanity, where life on this earth began in the Garden of Eden.  This is the place of the New Jerusalem.  This is the place that the Lord said is favored above all other nations in all the world. This is the place where the Savior will come to His temple.  This is the favored land in all the world.  Yes, I repeat, men may fail, but this nation won't fail.  I have faith in America; you and I must have faith in America, if we understand the teachings of the gospel of Jesus Christ.  We are living in a day  when we must pay heed to these challenges.

 I plead with you not to preach pessimism.  Preach that this is the greatest country in all the world.  This is the favored land.  This is the land of our forefathers.  It is the nation that will stand despite whatever trials or crisis it may yet have to pass through."  (Harold B. Lee. The Teachings of Harold B. Lee. Bookcraft. 1996. pg 365)