Notable and Quotable: Abraham Lincoln

"...I know that the Lord is always on the side of the right. But it is my constant anxiety and prayer that I and this nation should be on the Lord's side."

Like his predecessor that he so admires, may this be President Obama's prayer as well.

What Were They Thinking?

Big questions today- Why was there no announcement on Tuesday about additions to Animal Kingdom? How in the world did Jason Castro make the cut last night on American Idol, but Carly Smithson was sent home to the pub? Will Indiana Jones and the Temple of the Crystal Skull rule the summer or just be a moderate box office hit? Let's not even mention the year's U.S. Presidential election!

But here is the biggest question I'm wrestling with today- I read this, "I am the way and the truth and the life. No man comes to the Father except through me", and think why? Why did Jesus say this? I believe it and yet, the bluntness of the words cut like a knife. Certainly to some degree, this will remain a question as long as I live. So what came to me this morning on reflecting on his words is only a partial answer.

This isn't just a theological statement. This is also a statement that reflects Jesus' great love for us. Knowing we are complex human beings living through multitudes of experiences both good and bad, having a variety of ideas, and with unique personalities, He decides to draw us all into relationship with Him. These are powerful yet simply blunt words. He makes it easy, directly stating how things stand, answering questions we all must answer. It's out of His great love that He chooses to be this emphatic and clear. Now it is our turn to respond.