In God We Trust … USA

by Rahn Greimann (Owner/Publisher of Performance Horse Digest)

“In God We Trust”, also written as “In God we trust”, is the official motto of the United States of America and of the U.S. state of Florida. It was adopted by the U.S. Congress in 1956, supplanting E pluribus unum, in use since the initial 1776 design of the Great Seal of the United States. (reference Wikipedia).

The big question is, do you? Or you should ask me, do I?

You might be wondering what gives me the right to even ask such a question about you or myself. You might think that it is not politically correct (PC) to even state or ask such a thing, but frankly, my answer for me is, I don’t care what any person or politician thinks. I do care what God thinks as well as what He thinks about me, my family, my friends, and yes, the country that we call home. God is present in many people’s lives, they care about who and what God is to them, that is why they put in things like a Prayer request as well as regularly attend church to feel that connection with Him.

Thank God that we currently live in a free country that has a just constitution that protects the freedom of speech. With this freedom comes accountability for our actions and what we say.

I own this magazine and have the right to say the things that I believe to be true, such as, I believe that the Constitution of the United States is an inspired document given to us to protect all men’s, women’s, and children’s (born and unborn) right to life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness. I believe that people should have the agency to choose for themselves but be accountable for their actions, whether they be good or bad, according to correct principals governed by God. Not just because something feels good, or that making money, or obtaining power, is their ultimate goal.

I believe that it is very wrong when people, especially people in power, try to make good things seem bad and bad things seem good. Sorry to say, it seems to be the way of our world that we live in. I for one am tired of it. If you don’t know what to do because it is hard to tell what is right or wrong, ask God. He answers knee-mail, not email, Facebook, Instagram or any other electronic way of communicating. Be careful what you put on these vehicles of communication because he can read them too. He just doesn’t answer any of us with a Tweet.

On a positive note, I am always moved to feel proud of the people around me when at a horse event or rodeo and everyone stands, with their hats off, during the singing of the Star-Spangled Banner. 

I was blessed to experience this with my peers, proud to be Americans, during the beginning of the sales at the Black Hills Stock Show in Rapid City, SD. It is comforting to know that people believe the words, “Oh, say does that star-spangled banner yet wave, O’er the land of the free and the home of the brave?”

In contrast, I was watching a discussion between two people, that I respect, talking about our country and the times that we live in. The younger of the two asked the elder if he knew what the fastest growing religion is right now. He stated that it is Atheism. Atheism by definition is “disbelief or lack of belief in the existence of God or gods”. I was disheartened to acknowledge that this statement is most likely true. Please, don’t get me wrong. I have spent more than just a moment or two upset with, and even mad at God because of some of the losses and pains that I did not understand. But, I have always believed that He is there and knows me. I feel sorry for those that don’t have a hope and faith in a better way, or a better day, that includes happiness now and forever. 

I feel fortunate to live in a country that is free and pray that it will remain so, now, and for a long time to come. I desire that my grandchildren, your children, and grandchildren will be able to enjoy the freedoms to succeed and fail, as we have had the blessing to experience.

You might say that,

“I pledge Allegiance to the flag
of the United States of America
and to the Republic for which it stands,
one nation under God, indivisible,
with Liberty and Justice for all.”

Rahn Greimann Owner / Publisher