The USA: Who we are!!!

I can remember the events of the day like it were just yesterday. The date, September 11th, 2001. The place, a small 5th grade science class room in a small town in Poolesville Maryland. It was a brilliantly clear, sunny day, with the blue clouds which portrayed none of the events that soon would come to pass. My teacher flipped on an old black and white television to the news channel. I watched as the towers went down, leaving a thick black ash that covered the town of NYC. There were kids riding by on there bikes to see the commotion, to find there loved ones. There were firetrucks loud racing to the scene of the accident. America seemed to pause, in awe, in shock, of what had just occurred. Family's were torn, individuals weeped for there loss, seats became empty at the dinner table. My uncle was able to escape the wreckage. Out of the loss, the heartache, the tears, we rallied together. On May 1st, a team of US navy seals located Osama, shooting him down. As the president spoke to the nation, I was inspired to write about America, to show the world who we are. Barack Obama said l"let us think back to the sense of unity that brought us together on 9/11. Let us be true to the values that make us who we are." When I think of America I think of unity. When I think of America, I think of family's and individuals standing strong for the cause of freedom. I think of the great cost many men, women, and children have paid to protect this land of liberty. Let us be proud of who we are, staying true to the values this country was founded upon, true to all our brothers and sisters past and present. Although wars may continue, nations may rage, the greatest battle you and I have to fight is in the foxholes of our hearts and homes. "For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principality's, against powers, against the rulers of darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places."(Eph. 6:12) Let us remember WE ARE ONE NATION, be strong in our fight against sin. Not to long ago I had the experience to be with a new companion. For the first few week, everything was going just fine. Then some members of our district(group near us) singled him out for his differences. This led to much contention in our group, in our companionship. WE stopped talking to each other, stopped teaching well, and the spirit of the lord was withdrawn. Eventually the problem was solved. I said a humble prayer, asking the lord to help me say I am sorry, to help forgive and forget, to let go of my pride. The anger and hatred that filled my heart, ruled my will, was replaced by peace and hope, unity and love. Lets remember to communicate, to be humble, to ask for forgiveness and be forgiven. Unity and love healed our friendship, it has the power to heal nations. WE ARE ONE NATION UNDER GOD. This country was founded upon religious freedom. God is the father of all his children, whom he loves very much. This is the land of promise. If we keep the commandments, we shall be blessed. If you don't, or fall away into iniquity, this land is cursed.(1 Nephi 13:10-15) " None shall come unto this land save it be they are brought by the hand of the Lord. It it so be that they serve him, it shall be a land of Liberty. For if iniquity shall abound, cursed be the land for there sakes."(2 Nephi 1:6-10) Let us remember who are under God, we need to keep his commandments. WE ARE ONE NATION UNDER GOD, INDIVISIBLE, WITH JUSTICE AND LIBERTY FOR ALL. This is the land of the free and brave. It was founded upon the principals of freedom and justice for all. Jesus is a God of justice and mercy. Because of the atonement, he can apply his mercy if we repent and follow his gospel. His Gospel is the only way back to our father and heaven. Let us as a nation turn back to him.