There are two quotes that have been a part of the American lexicon for ages.  Both by Patrick Henry, a founding father of our great nation, who spoke out for independence and the abolishment of slavery.  In his famous speech, given at the Virginia Convention in 1775, he declared, “Give me liberty or give me death.”  

The idea of freedom was starting to gain traction.  Yet for independence to become a reality there was a principle that could not be ignored.  In a different speech, Henry is credited with saying something I have heard all my life; the principle on which independence hung: “United We Stand - Divided We Fall.”

Abraham Lincoln would use a similar phrase, but one that seems to quote scripture more closely.  In a speech that would be considered one of Lincoln’s best; known as the “Divided House” speech, he opened with: “A house divided against itself, cannot stand.”

This phrase, United We Stand - Divided We Fall, has also found itself embroidered on the Missouri state flag, as well as being the official motto of Kentucky. 

Yet, while I assume most know or have heard this phrase, it is one that I believe is becoming more and more relevant within our society.  It seems everywhere we turn: social media, news outlets, newspapers, radio programs - everyone is mad, offended, or hurt by something; and, it is dividing us! 

A “splinter,” caused by slavery, that has been part of America from it’s founding; has never fully healed - but has been growing for generations.  While there have been those who have tried to bring healing to this scar that marks our great land; it seems this wound has been ripped wide open! 

For the last couple decades I have watched differing views, turn into differing sides. These sides have become differing factions, that have morphed into grown divisions, where neither side is willing to listen to the other.  Everyone has their talking points, or “ammunition” - as my grandma would say; and, all we do is fire at each other incessantly.  

I remember vividly when the two planes hit the Twin Towers in New York on September 11th - a day that will live in my mind; much like Pearl Harbor lived in the minds of those living during World War II.  We as a nation were heartbroken, angry, and…United!  People came together - no sides, no vitriol, no hate.  We were simply “Americans coming together” mourning the loss of fellow Americans, and uniting with fellow Americans to try and bring help and hope. 

I remember the first Sunday after 9/11.  The church was full as strangers stood and held hands across the aisle to pray and worship together.  Your background, socio-economic class, the color of your skin – mattered not; we were all American’s standing hand-in-hand, praying and believing for a better tomorrow. 

Fast forward nearly 25 years later… I think we would be hard-pressed to see that again.  We are so divided we are on the verge of collapse!  Even in the church, we find that we cannot meet in the arena of ideas.  We have allowed “political views” to dominate our lives; to the point that we can’t - won’t - unite on the one person who can heal our land - Christ.  

It was Jesus’ words that Abraham Lincoln quoted; and also from those words that John Henry received the inspiration for his statement, “United We Stand - Divided We Fall.”  When being accused by the religious leaders of being possessed by a demon (clearly two different kingdoms being involved - God’s kingdom verses satan’s); Jesus made the statement, “Every kingdom divided against itself is destroyed, and no town or house divided against itself will stand.” 

This principle rings true to this day, whether it is: the powers of good and evil (Jesus and the devil), or a nation in 2025 with differing ideas.  If they are divided - they will fall.  Make no mistake - we must have a united mission! 

This is not to suggest, or ignore, that there have been great abuses of power against minority people.  We cannot “sweep under the rug” the fact that great injustices have taken place within the borders of the United States - these truths cannot be denied.  We must learn from them however; because I admit, there is still much work to be done!! 

Nothing can, or will be accomplished, if we are not united in solving our problems TOGETHER!  We must be willing to meet in the arena of ideas, and have civil conversation - to have dialogue where we hear each other, and meet in the middle where we are able. 

This nation is worth fighting for!  And for many - worth dying for!  Over one million men and women have paid the ultimate sacrifice for our freedom.  Let us not squander their sacrifice because we are unwilling to come together and work together. 

Yet I do have to agree with Patrick Henry, true change will only come when we come to Christ and trust Him.  He is the one that paid the ultimate sacrifice for our freedom, and it is from Him we have the desire and passion to be free!  May we humble ourselves before the Lord, seeking His face, turning from our wicked ways; because then God will hear us from heaven, forgive us our sins, and heal our land.  

I close with the complete Patrick Henry quote, “Let us trust God, and our better judgment to set us right hereafter. United we stand, divided we fall. Let us not split into factions which must destroy that union upon which our existence hangs."