February 12th, 2010
Indulge me, if you will for a moment over my worldview…
I believe in a God who is loving, caring and the hand of Providence in all things.
He alone designs the course of men’s lives…
and knows what they need for the mission and tasks that they will be called to undertake.
Men, in turn, have a free will and choice in the matters that are before them…
how they respond determines the course of history…
of nations…
of free peoples.
Today, I am most grateful for this man.

He withstood tremendous adversity and failure…

in preparation for the greatest weight that has ever rested on a standing President in the history of our country.


His beginnings were most humble…

His relationship to his father estranged.
He was tenacious, creative, industrious, successful…

As a young trial lawyer he won unprecedented cases.
As our president, he took freedom to a whole new level for millions to come.
And while the effects of the Civil War still resonate with pain, tension and unresolved issues…
He honestly did the best he could.
And because he was faithful in both little and much…
the Union was preserved.
Today, on this your birthday, I want to thank you, Mr. President.
There are millions of us that owe you a portion of our freedom…
because you practiced leadership in the form of laying your life down.
So that others could live.
Thank you, Mr. Lincoln.
And Happy, Happy Birthday.
Love,

Filed under In the Spotlight..., Leadership Education | Comments (3)
stephanie » Friday, February 12, 2010, 9:20 am
Great reminder of his story. If at first you don’t succeed, try, try again! Thanks!
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Erika Lundquist » Saturday, February 13, 2010, 7:09 pm
Thank you, Teri for reminding us of Lincoln’s inspirational life. He was an incredible example of perseverance. In our world of instant gratification, he stands as a wonderful example for us and our children to push on past doubt, pain, and disappointment. Thank you! xxoo
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Tammie » Friday, March 5, 2010, 7:25 am
Verrrrrrrrryyy interesting thoughts on Math. I am a math-a-phobic; for as long as I can remember. I always thought it was “not my gift”. I can remember in 1967 when my mom came to my 2nd grade teacher and inquired what she could do to help me since I wasn’t understanding, (but was already reading at a high school level). The teacher told her “we don’t know, it’s new math and we are still learning”. Well there’s a confident response. Fast forward to my son in 2nd grade in 1992, when he couldn’t read. When I inquired regarding the “whole language” fiasco, I was told he will learn to read as he gains exposure to the written word….????? By third grade I was told, “it’s so sad, none of them can read to grade level”. Again, a confident response; confident that something was wrong! I applaud you and your efforts to “get it right”. You’re doing a great job!
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