I could not truly call myself an Illinois blogger if I didn't note that two hundred years ago on this day, Abraham Lincoln was born. Yes, it's true that he was born in a log cabin in Kentucky and spent his childhood there and in Indiana, but his family moved to Illinois when he was 21 years old. He stayed in the state for many years, rising from rail splitter to lawyer to one-term Illinois congressman to... well, back to being a lawyer. He only left Illinois after taking a job that required relocation.
What would life be like in America today if Lincoln had decided that his one term in Congress was enough of a political life for him? What if he had found satisfaction in being a lawyer? What if he determined that Illinois was where he was going to stay?
Fortunately, we don't have to dwell on those "what ifs," because we know his history. His history is an integral part of our national history. Indeed, the United States of America probably would not exist in this day - as it is - without him. Much has been written about him (see here for one blogger's list of books), and most likely there will be more. Each new book broadens our view of him, but we may never truly ascertain his greatness.
Happy birthday, President Lincoln. May each president, not just our current one, seek to emulate you.
My devotional today was a tribute to Lincoln if you will. The scripture was Proverbs 3:1-8. There was an excerpt from his Illinois farewell speech..."I know leave not knowing wehn, or wheter ever, I may return, with a task before me greater than that which rested upon Washington. Without the assistance of the Divine Being who ever attended him, I cannot succeed. With that assistance I cannot fail. Trusting in Him who can go with me, and remain with you, and be everywhere for good, let us confidently hope that all will yet be well. To His care commending you, as I hope in your prayers you will comment me, I bid you an affectionate farewell." I sincerely hope our current president is indeed following in these words just as we should in our own average day to day lives!
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