Words are important. Where words reside is important. We read newsprint, books and magazines. We see posters. We see walls. “In God We Trust” on the supervisors’ chamber wall causes thoughtful concern.
Words on a wall may or may not represent what remains hidden in hearts and minds. Nevertheless words remain important. It seems that some people were upset because those words were missing from the wall.
However, staff reassured the public that the words would be reinstated on the wall. These words written on our dollar bills and on all our quarters, nickels and dimes even on our pennies signify importance.
These words, part of our national motto, are very sensitive and give us pause to really think and ask ourselves if the importance of these few words relies solely on the wall or in our hearts or both?
Does off the wall mean gone from our hearts? Is money really our motto? That part we refuse to acknowledge.
It seems that we separate families because we trust in God. Or we separate families after the words are taken down from the wall because then it seems OK. The reality is what exists in our hearts. Do we hide behind words only if they hang on a wall?
Apparently hanging certain words on a wall allows us to do whatever we want. Using the motto performs a valid excuse for inexcusable actions.
Proclaiming our trust in God gives us huge responsibilities. We become responsible to behave like we truly trust in God.
Mary Zanger
Hollister
