A Governor Speaks with Faith
Note: I learned after writing this post, that the governor’s speech was controversial with some homeschooling families in Ohio. I am very sorry if I hurt anyone by sharing it. Please see my post “I’m Sorry” dated July 21, 2020, to read more of my apology.
I love to tell stories of faith in unlikely places in America. Here is one of those stories from last week.
On July 15, Ohio Governor Mike DeWine made a calm and kind speech to the people of his state. Our friend Olive who is from Ohio sent a link to Ray and me, telling us it was worth the 22 minutes it would take to listen. We saved it for a time that we could watch it together. She was right. We were both deeply moved by the governor’s calm demeanor, his wise counsel, and his obvious concern for the citizens he governs.
Governor DeWine praised the native people who once built mounds in Ohio. He praised the pioneers who built the National Road. He honored the abolitionists and African Americans who worked together on the Underground Railroad. He recognized the immigrants who built Ohio’s cities. He honored the African American emigrants who came from the South and the emigrants who came from Appalachia to work in Ohio factories, to rear families, and to start a new life.
Near the end of his speech, Governor Dewine encouraged Ohioans to keep doing the right thing as our country continues to face the coronavirus pandemic. Recognizing that some people do not believe that the pandemic is real, he calmly assured them that it is real. While encouraging the people he serves to keep doing what will help themselves and their neighbors, he quoted from Galatians 6:9. It is a reassuring verse in the current crisis and a reassuring verse for you as a homeschooling mama.
Let us not lose heart in doing good,
for in due time we will reap
if we do not grow weary.
Galatians 6:9