Tattered Stars

TATTERED STARS

Her stripes were worn and faded;

Her fabric, torn and frayed.

Tattered stars hung loosely now,

Weakened by old battles, and decayed.

Still, she hung with dignity,

Despite her ragged state.

Her very fabric promised hope

Although the hour was late.

Just then, as dawn was breaking,

Came a rustling in the trees,

A disturbance in the morning mist,

And a cool, refreshing breeze.

With the flash of nearby lightening,

Pulses quickened by the thrill,

While meadows shook with thunder

And a deluge took the hill.

With that, Old Glory caught the wind,

Unfurled, as if to march.

Despite the hail that tore her hems,

She took the field

And stretched out stiff as starch.

And those who saw this marveled

And recalled Old Glory’s youth.

And hearts filled with compassion,

Quickened by old loyalties and truth.

And every soul saluted,

While new hope replaced old fears,

And each heart pledged allegiance,

And sealed their pledge

With gratitude and tears.

Shannon Thomas Casebeer

“GLAD DAYS LONG AGO”

Now on Amazon Books

I apologize if this sounds preachy.

There appears to be some confusion regarding racism and bigotry. If you would follow Christ, your walk will be exceptional in that it demonstrates justice and mercy. A follower of Christ is called to do what is just and merciful regardless of the consequences. They are to do as Christ would do, and then trust God. There is nothing just, merciful, or Christlike about racism and bigotry.  SC

My little book, “Glad Days Long Ago” has been well received by those who’ve read it. People find that sharing my memories is a magic elixir to revitalize their own.

Glad Days Long Ago

On Amazon

America’s best days are almost certainly ahead, but we darn sure won’t get there by going back. Our best hope is to stand together, embrace the future, lift up the fallen, and work together to advance the cause of freedom. SC

Happy Decoration Day!

Placerville, California 

Memorial Day is a time to celebrate freedom and the many dedicated people who made it possible. As we celebrate this Memorial Day, we should be mindful of what freedom is.  Freedom is about personal choices, our own and those of others. We would do well to give that some serious thought.  Freedom is not a privilege to be taken lightly. Freedom is a right and a responsibility, a perishable torch to be diligently tended and faithfully past along. Freedom burns within our hearts, ignited by the founding fathers. It falls to us to keep that flame alive. 

Shannon Thomas Casebeer

A MORE PERFECT UNION

America’s ideals of liberty and justice for all have been a work in progress for a long time. Progress has been tediously slow, but steady. Mistakes have been made. Setbacks have been painful and frequent. Progress has come only through determination, dedication, and constant struggle, but it has come. Democratic government requires pursuing the greater good, and addressing the needs of a greatly diversified electorate, comprised of frequently opposing and passionately held beliefs. It’s a volatile and uneasy accord, which is achieved only through compromise and concession. Progress requires change, and change is hard. Once again, we find ourselves called upon to test our ability to accept change and consent to the will of the people. With or without our consent, change will come. The decisions we make in 2020 will shape our children’s future for decades to come. The work in progress will continue, and government of, by, and for the people will shape, sharpen, and temper its time-honored pursuit of liberty and justice for all. Progress will be slow, but achievable. Embrace the future, be civil, and participate in the essential process of democracy. A perfect union is a mighty lofty goal, but a more perfect union is attainable when we work together. SC

If you’re unable to grasp the first and most basic lesson of the bible, you’re taking all the rest out of context. SC

The very first lesson for a fledgling Sunday school student is the fact that God created this planet and all its creatures, and then He created mankind as its caretakers. If you’re unable to grasp the first and most basic lesson of the bible, you’re taking all the rest out of context. SC