If there is one thing I have felt led to do while here on this side of Heaven, it is to help preserve the legacy of America. I do not believe America occurred by accident. Nor do I think America stands insulated from a downfall such as the Roman Empire.
The United States rose to greatness and historically stood for ideals based upon its Christian heritage. Abandoning the principles which guided America’s foundational beginnings has proven to be a recipe for our accelerating demise.
Hence, there is nothing I feel more strongly about than saving our country by leading people back to the roots and source. Though modern historians like to count Benjamin Franklin as an atheist, I wonder if that judgment precludes a person’s ability to change their views during a lifetime. For it was Franklin, at the Constitutional Convention of 1787 who said, "I have lived, Sir, a long time, and the longer I live, the more convincing proofs I see of this truth--that God Governs the affairs of men. And if a sparrow cannot fall to the ground without His notice, is it probable that an empire can rise without His aid?" Adding to Franklin’s question, I would add, And how will it be possible for God to continue to bless this great nation if we remove the foundation of this country based upon God’s plan?
The Heritage Foundation is an amazing institution which shares this goal of preservation. Historically, it’s target audience has been adults. Now, they are broadening their perspective to include teenagers - realizing that an increasing percentage of Americans finish school understanding very little about their roots. Accordingly, The Heritage Foundation will be publishing a new quarterly magazine entitled The Conservative Teen. You can view their website at http://www.theconservativeteen.com.
To say I was thrilled to be invited to contribute to the maiden issue would be a huge understatement. When I received my pre-publication copy for review and realized I was sharing the stage with co-contributors such as Michael Reagan, John Stossel, Walter Williams and Matt Philbin ... I was dumbfounded. These names included a President’s son, a winner of 19 Emmys, a reknowned professor of economics, the editor of Media Research Center, and yes ... a retired teacher. This is my Cinderella moment!
Notwithstanding my elation of being a contributor in the first issue, I want to promote the magazine if you know a teenager who needs this type of input in his or her life. Publications today are rare which foster a sense of Christian values coupled with American culture. Non-existent (at least from what I’ve seen) are those which do so and are specifically targeted at today’s teenage youth. That group needs support. Christian teens need to know there are others out there who embrace traditional values, and who have a hope for an improved future unlike what seems so bleak today.
I encourage you to take a look at the website, and support this magazine. Also, if you agree this meets a real need in today’s teenage world, please pass the word on to others who you think would benefit.
Thank you, Jim
