Conservative Thought
COMMUNITY
I just got back from a trip to Alaska, a place that I had wanted to see for a long time. It is a beautiful place in its own fashion with the Pacific Ocean, lakes, rivers, bays, fjords, islands, mountains (including Denali the highest mountain in North America), glaciers, and wildlife.
I was surprised to see people from many different backgrounds including Russians who must have stayed after the U.S. purchased Alaska from Russia. There is a diverse mix of indigenous communities, European and Asian nationalities, and Hispanic communities. While the vast majority of residents hold U.S. citizenship, nearly 8% of the population is foreign-born, with a strong representation of immigrants from the Philippines, Latin America, Korea, and Canada.
The 24 hours of sunlight that many thought would be a problem was for me a delight. The sun that rises at about 4 am and sets at about 11 pm, becomes a type of twilight after that. It remains light enough to walk around outside or inside without lights. People put shades on
the windows for those who might be sensitive but, for me it was quite comforting to wake up during the night and see light peeking around the window shade.
We were fortunate to be able to rent a family’s cabin for our week stay. It is the reason for writing my conservative thoughts. The cabin was located in an area that was described as mostly conservative and military which generally fits my comfort zone, but then you never know.
As we drove into the mountains there were cabins and small homes throughout the mountain side. When we arrived at the cabin there was evidence that the grass had just been cut. There were flowers about and everything was in order. The inside was clean with several couches, TV, pictures of Alaska, large bear rug, old ski equipment, and lots of quilts and blankets. There were book shelves, which attracted me, filled with conservative books written by many of my favorite authors and would have tempted me to read if I had a longer stay.
On the coffee table in the front room were several booklets devoted to different areas to explore in Alaska. As I perused the booklets, I realized that there was much more to see in Alaska than I was going
to experience in a week. I was moved by the thoughtful cabin owners who were inviting us back to experience more and was reminded how when first contacting the owner that she said “all information would be in their home.”
I was initially confused but eventually understood that this was their home. The Christmas lights around the roof were a reminder that they spend Christmas in this cabin. What a privilege to be allowed to enjoy what God had blessed them with.
In a world where selfishness, pride, arrogance and disagreement reign, are we able to share our lives and our blessing with others? Do we have books that will encourage their hearts and enlighten their minds? Do we provide blankets of comfort for those who have lost hope for better things? Do we provide rest for weary souls? Do we invite them back to see and enjoy more?
When I lived in the city, I barely knew any of my neighbors and in some cases, knew enough to not want to know anymore. Here, once again, I was in the country and yet the country had become secluded. Listening to Facebook and other social media apps you quickly pick up on the dislike for “city people” who don’t know how to act and people who resist change to their small towns. There are neighbors who never drop by or much less invite you over. There are community meetings and no one welcomes you or introduces themselves.
Have we changed or has society changed us? We have a state that is run by liberals who have made a mess of Denver and will soon be welcoming socialists into our government. Our state government is run by the Democratic agendas of prostitution, sex change, pornography literature in public schools and defiance of our President’s legal authority.
I was reminded on my trip of the Annual Iditarod Sled Race that I often followed while teaching in public school. The race is not only a test of the individual but in reality, the test of the community.
In January 1925, a deadly diphtheria outbreak threatened Nome, Alaska. With the harbor frozen shut and sub-zero temperatures preventing airplanes from flying, the only hope was the Iditarod Trail. Twenty mushers and over 100 sled dogs formed a relay team to transport the life-saving medicine. The heroic journey took just 5.5 days, smashing previous race records.
While many teams participated, two dogs became legends: Togo led the longest and most treacherous leg (over 260 miles) across perilous sea ice, Balto: Led the final leg into Nome through blinding whiteout conditions, turning him into an international media sensation.
It took community working together and for the dogs working together, and together they saved lives. We have a country to save, a state to save, and a community to save. We all have to do our part. KLN
I appeal to you, brothers, by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that all of you agree, and that there be no divisions among you, but that you be united in the same mind and the same judgment.
1 Corinthians 1:10
English Standard Version