Friday's thoughts on Sunday's sermon

There are some important aspects of Lincoln's presidency and his approach to government and life I'd like us to consider.

He had a sense of destiny in this life and he realized there was much about his love over which he had no control. There was much chance in his life but that didn't stop him from taking on the problems that he was handed. He refused to become a victim. His sense of chance led him to make his choice to carry out what he thought he was destined to do.

His choice was driven by the compassion he had for the pain others felt. He knew such pain in his own life and could relate to the pain in other people's lives.

Once he said, "Each (north and south) looked for an easier triumph, and a result less fundamental and astounding. Both read the same Bible, and pray to the same God; each invokes His aid against the other. It may seem strange that any men should dare to ask God's assistance in wringing their bread from the sweat of other men's faces; but let us judge not lest we be judged. The prayers of both could not be answered fully. The Almighty has His own purposes."

The compassion of Lincoln and the sense of choice led him to take the action he took and led him through the most difficult time in American history.

He had a dream about a week before his death. He dreamed there was sadness in the White House. People were weeping. When he asked, in his dream, who had died, he was told, "It is the President. He was assassinated."

Unfortunately, that dream came true.

What is your understanding of Abraham Lincoln's life and legacy? If you have thoughts on this write me at charlesschuster@fcfumc.net. If you are willing to have others read your ideas click on the 'comments' box below.

If you would like a draft of the sermon as it is on Friday indicate that to me and I am pleased to forward it to you.

I look forward to hearing from you.


Charles Schuster