When a president takes office, he put his hand on the Bible and pledges, “…. so help me God.” He is taking a stand. He is promising what he is going to do. He is involving our almighty. He is making a declaration, a commitment.
 
The Pilgrims took a stand to put God first. This guided their life. They affirmed it; they declared it; they pledged it. This was the resolution which brought good fortune to them and America. They kept their word; they were trustworthy.
 
The Declaration of Independence was such a pledge before God.
 
When our first president George Washington was at Valley Forge, he kneeled in prayer. The task and responsibility were too much to bear for one person alone. He had to make a decision which was unbearable by himself. He searched for answers coming from heaven.

This is why we are moved in our heart and mind, and in awe when we see this historical portrait of our famous and beloved president submitting to our Heavenly Parent. It stirs our original mind that we should always include God.

God is a dramatic God. He can change the course of history in an instant, at the last minute. On all our coins it is written “In God we trust.” We receive answers if we knock and ask.
 
We affirm there is a God. We pray, we greet God every morning. We pray again, and then some more. Then we start resembling God. We keep our Heavenly Parent in our life; we never let go.
 
When we marry, we also make a vow. We pledge fidelity and to be together for better and for worse. We keep our vows. They are sacred. We do not vacillate in between. We keep our pledge. The family is the cornerstone of society, so it starts from there.
 
At our wedding Dietrich and I made a vow that we would stay together even beyond this world, because true love can transcend also the spirit world, where we enter the world of the heart, the realm of liberation. We wanted to be the guardians of true love.
 
May all your affirmations and proclamations this year brings good fortune and blessings to you, your family: husband, wife, sons and daughters. Because truly the family is the starting point of experiencing true love.
 
Elisabeth Seidel