The Answer – 2
I grew up in ultra conservative Hillsdale, Michigan – home of the esteemed Hillsdale College. In High School, I took a business course, but as a Senior, in 1964-65, I signed up for Mr. Ketro’w class — college prep English.
Mr. Ketrow was the smallest teacher in the building with the biggest reputation for being both tough and terrific. His voice and personality would better fit a man twice his size. He made everything interesting for me, but I remember two things the most:
- If our answer was less than audible, Mr. Ketrow would bellow, “Not more than 10,000 people heard that. Help the rest of us, Miss Bradley!
- Be aware of the propaganda promoted by politicians and media as though it were fact! Think about it!! (He was ahead of his time – “Fake News”.)
He taught to beware of opinions and promises! Critical thinking is the answer. (That’s what we learn in Toastmasters — better listening, thinking, and speaking).
“My Hero” is our 40th President, Ronald Wilson Reagan –
a Christian, Conservative, Capitalist, Constitutionalist to his Core!
I’ll let him make my point. (Source: 2020 calendar by Young America’s Foundation)
RR on AMERICAN VALUES:
“An America that is militarily and economically strong is not enough. The world must see an America that is morally strong with a creed and a vision. This is what has led us to dare and achieve. For us, values count.”
RR on FAMILY:
“The family has always been the cornerstone of American society. Our families nurture, preserve, and pass on to each succeeding generation the values we share and cherish, values that are the foundation of our freedom.”
RR on OPTIMISM:
“I know in my heart that man is good, that what is right will always eventually triumph, and there is purpose and worth to each and every life.”
RR on LEADERSHIP:
“The greatest leader is not necessarily the one who does the greatest things. He is the one who gets the people to do the greatest things.”
RR on GOVERNMENT:
“Government is not the solution to our problem; government is the problem. The nine most terrifying words in the English language are, ‘I’m from the government and I’m here to help’”
RR on FREEDOM:
“Freedom is not something to be secured in any one moment of time. We must struggle to preserve it every day. And freedom is never more than one generation away from extinction.”
Whatever the issue, JESUS IS THE ANSWER:
I appreciate the wisdom of my Grandmas: Did you make a mistake, honey? Yes. Do you want me to forgive you? Yes, please, Grandma. Ok, I forgive you. Jesus wants us to forgive each other. Remember Jesus when someone asks you to forgive him.
*Jesus taught us to love each other, respect each other, forgive each other.*
Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. John 13:34
For if you forgive other people when they sin against you, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. Matt 6:14
Jesus answered, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.” John 14:6
One More Thing…
RR on AMERICA’s FUTURE:
“Children, if your parents haven’t been teaching you what it means to be an American, let ‘em know and nail ‘em on it. That would be a very American thing to do.”
Get on it, Grannies!! Plant those seeds!!
06/29/20