Satan Knows of our Strengths

Satan knows all of our strengths
And he knows where we are weak
That for chains of longest length
It’s through our blind spots, he will seek

Then when the chain tightens
Woe to what happens to talents
For they are then tools to contend
And further his grasp-like talons

Then through pride we feel empowered
Puffed up as he deceive us as it's God he imitates
Such that we feel strong- in this rising power
But, in truth, ultimately, our path he limitates

As though bought- he increases his demand
Unto serving his continual evil purposes
Till there's an eventual fall that's hard to land
For he does not support his purchases

Verse 1]

Satan knows all of our strengths

And he knows where we are weak

That for chains of longest length

It’s through our blind spots, he will seek

Then when the chain tightens

Woe to what happens to talents

For they are then tools to contend

And further his grasp-like talons

[Pre-Chorus]

Then through pride we feel empowered

Puffed up as he deceives us

As it's God he imitates

We start to trust that rising power

[Chorus]

Blind spots, blind spots

He knows where we are weak

Blind spots, blind spots

That’s where the chains will reach

Blind spots, blind spots

Don’t let pride take the lead

Blind spots, blind spots

Keep my heart on its knees

[Verse 2]

Such that we feel strong-

in this rising power

But, in truth, ultimately,

our path he limitates

As though bought- he increases

his demand unto serving

his continual evil purposes

Till there's an eventual fall that's hard to land

For he does not support his purchases

[Bridge]

Break the grin

Break the spell

Name the lie

Ring the bell

What looks like strength

Can turn to sand

If I keep my soul

Out of his hand

[Final Chorus]

Blind spots, blind spots

He knows where we are weak

Blind spots, blind spots

That’s where the chains will reach

Blind spots, blind spots

Don’t let pride take the lead

Blind spots, blind spots

Keep my heart on its knees

Elder Marion G. Romney of the Quorum of the Twelve taught: “Latter-day Saints know that there is a God. With like certainty, they know that Satan lives, that he is a powerful personage of spirit, the archenemy of God, of man, and of righteousness” (Ensign, June 1971, p. 35). President Joseph F. Smith described one of Satan’s methods: “Satan is a skillful imitator, and as genuine gospel truth is given the world in ever-increasing abundance, so he spreads the counterfeit coin of false doctrine” (ibid., p. 36).

Satan uses every possible device to degrade and enslave every soul. He attempts to distort and corrupt everything created for the good of man, sometimes by diluting that which is good, sometimes by camouflaging that which is evil. We generally think of Satan attacking us at our weakest spot. Elder Spencer W. Kimball of the Quorum of the Twelve described this technique when he said: “Lucifer and his followers know the habits, weaknesses, and vulnerable spots of everyone and take advantage of them to lead us to spiritual destruction” (The Miracle of Forgiveness, Salt Lake City: Bookcraft, 1969, pp. 218–19).

Like the fabled Achilles, who was immune to every lethal blow except to his heel, many of us have a special weakness that can be exploited to our spiritual downfall. For some, that weakness may be a taste for liquor, an unusual vulnerability to sexual temptation, or a susceptibility to compulsive gambling or reckless speculation. For others, it may be a craving for money or power. If we are wise, we will know our weaknesses, our spiritual Achilles’ heels, and fortify ourselves against temptations in those areas.

But weakness is not our only vulnerability. Satan can also attack us where we think we are strong—in the very areas where we are proud of our strengths. He will approach us through the greatest talents and spiritual gifts we possess. If we are not wary, Satan can cause our spiritual downfall by corrupting us through our strengths as well as by exploiting our weaknesses. I will illustrate this truth with several examples

Dallin H. Oaks,
“Our Strengths Can Become Our Downfall,”
Ensign, Oct 1994, 11

Our Inspired Constitution

inspired by

 Dallin H. Oaks,

Ensign, Feb 1992, 68
“The Divinely Inspired Constitution, ”

We have an inspired constitution
What exactly does that mean to me?
Through the law and through obedience
I can enjoy life and liberty

How did the quest for freedom begin?
What led these men to struggle within?
How many of them each other knew
Did they speak from where their yearnings grew?

For checks and balances more seasoned
Our founding fathers met and reasoned
As common cause became their goal
It united them with purpose whole

A miracle did unite this group
Though they could not pay for their own troupe
With borrowed money and with debt
They had much work that they must do yet

A bill of rights, sovereignty
How to treat each man with dignity
How to maintain the rights of all flesh
Yet politically combine and mesh

Dallin H. Oaks,
Ensign, Feb 1992, 68
“The Divinely Inspired Constitution, ”

Save For a Spot on His Heel

Save for a spot on his heel
Achilles was immune to all
Thus he did not safeguard against evil
Till, (too late) one lethal blow caused his fall

We may be strong in many ways
And think ourselves the one in charge
But, Satan ever for us preys
As one ravenously at large

He seeks of us what he can get
Be it through weakness or strength
And knowing how often we tend to forget
Ever hungrily, he lies and waits

He can see through each attempted facade
Thus we must do what fortifies
With the whole armor of God
And partaking of what edifies

[Verse] Achilles stood untouchable Save for one spot on his heel Never thought to guard that place Till an arrow made him kneel We walk around believing We're the ones who hold the reins But the enemy is watching Every weakness he can claim [Chorus] Put on the armor The whole armor of God Stand in the battle Where the righteous have trod He sees through every wall we build Every mask we think we've worn Put on the armor Before the breaking of the dawn [Verse 2] Satan prowls like he's starving Waits for moments we forget He'll take our strength and twist it Turn our victories to regret He knows the lies we tell ourselves The cracks we try to hide So we fortify with truth alone And let the Word abide [Chorus] Put on the armor The whole armor of God Stand in the battle Where the righteous have trod He sees through every wall we build Every mask we think we've worn Put on the armor Before the breaking of the dawn [Bridge] Not by our power Not by our might Only His Spirit Wins this fight [Chorus] Put on the armor The whole armor of God Stand in the battle Where the righteous have trod He sees through every wall we build Every mask we think we've worn Put on the armor Put on the armor of God

Dallin H. Oaks
Our Strengths Can Become Our Downfall
Ensign, Oct. 1994, 11

rhymezone
Definitions of edified:
adjective: instructed and encouraged in moral, intellectual, and spiritual improvement

A Man in the Community

A man in the community
Had a mighty gift of healing
But he lacked sufficient humility
And went beyond spiritual feeling

Puffed up in prominence
There to gratify his own ego
He traveled a path of variance
And knocked on doors, where e'er he'd go

For the adversary
Led him away through this gift
Unto doing contrary
But, truly, who gives these powers to uplift?

We must always remember
For what our gifts are given
To humbly bless God's members
Not to misapply as self driven

Unto each of us
Lies a special gift
It is there in trust
To be lost if we soon drift

Verse 1] A man in the community Had a mighty gift of healing But he lacked sufficient humility And went beyond spiritual feeling Puffed up in prominence There to gratify his own ego He traveled a path of variance And knocked on doors, where e'er he'd go [Pre-Chorus] For the adversary Led him away through this gift Unto doing contrary But, truly, who gives these powers to uplift? [Chorus] We must always remember We must always remember For what our gifts are given To humbly bless God's members Unto each of us Lies a special gift It is there in trust (It is there in trust) [Verse 2] Not to misapply As self driven Unto each of us Lies a special gift It is there in trust To be lost if we soon drift So keep our hearts tender And let Your purpose lift [Pre-Chorus] For the adversary Led him away through this gift Unto doing contrary But, truly, who gives these powers to uplift? [Chorus] We must always remember We must always remember For what our gifts are given To humbly bless God's members Unto each of us Lies a special gift It is there in trust (It is there in trust) [Bridge] So search me, Lord Keep me low When You move in me Let Your mercy show Not my name Not my pride Just a gift in trust By Your hand inside [Final Chorus] We must always remember We must always remember For what our gifts are given To humbly bless God's members Unto each of us Lies a special gift It is there in trust (It is there in trust

Dallin H. Oaks
Our Strengths Can Become Our Downfall
Ensign, Oct 1994, 11

What Has Jesus Done For Me?

What has Jesus done for me?
One asked...while not wanting to see
But the words were said, I gave them much thought
Knowing the answer for each must be sought-

He created this earth and added for us light
As our Exemplar, He then came and did all that is right
He suffered our pains and sins, then was sentenced to death
And because of Him we will rise again through His living breath

Ever selfless up to and through His darkest hour
He gave us commandments, the priesthood, and sealing power
While humbly He listens to and attends to every prayer
Such that when we need Him, He is always there

To those in the dark who have lost their way
There is oh so much more I would like to say
May the Holy Ghost teach to you all of the rest
As you seek for it, in righteousness, truly you will be blessed

Verse 1] What has Jesus done for me? one asked While not wanting to see But the words were said, I gave them much thought Knowing the answer for each must be sought [Pre-Chorus] He created this earth and added for us light As our Exemplar, He then came and did all that is right He suffered our pains and sins, then was sentenced to death And because of Him we will rise again through His living breath [Chorus] What Jesus has done What Jesus has done for me He gave us hope He set the captive free What Jesus has done What Jesus has done for me (For me) (for me) [Verse 2] Ever selfless up to and through His darkest hour He gave us commandments, the priesthood, and sealing power While humbly He listens to and attends to every prayer Such that when we need Him, He is always there [Pre-Chorus] To those in the dark who have lost their way There is oh so much more I would like to say May the Holy Ghost teach to you all of the rest As you seek for it, in righteousness, truly you will be blessed [Chorus] What Jesus has done What Jesus has done for me He gave us hope He set the captive free What Jesus has done What Jesus has done for me (For me) (for me) [Bridge] May the Holy Ghost teach to you all of the rest As you seek for it, in righteousness, truly you will be blessed When the night feels long His mercy stays When my faith runs thin He carries me through days [Final Chorus] What Jesus has done What Jesus has done for me He gave us hope He set the captive free What Jesus has done What Jesus has done for me (For me) (for me

Pondering
Teachings of Jesus
Dallin H. Oaks
Ensign, November 2011

Thank you Danielle for your email. I love to put thoughts to poetry. It touches me that you have read some. I hope to get better as the years go by. Sometimes I think I will stop. But, writing has become a very close friend... and I miss it deeply- five days was a long time this week.

Your Own Handcart

 [Verse 1]

Push your handcart towards light With all your heart, mind, and might Along the trail others mock Still, all is well Keep on. Walk. [Pre-Chorus] Push your handcart Press on. Pray. True standards chart the Lord's way Show fortitude The path's sure [Chorus] Push your handcart Push your handcart Have gratitude and endure Push your handcart Keep on now Still, all is well, that's sure [Verse 2] Through the snow The frozen streams Your faith show grow Beyond your dreams When your knees feel worn and thin You lift again [Pre-Chorus] Push your handcart Press on. Pray. True standards chart the Lord's way Show fortitude The path's sure [Chorus] Push your handcart Push your handcart Have gratitude and endure Push your handcart Keep on now Still, all is well, that's sure [Bridge] Through the snow You do not fold The road gets hard Your heart stays bold Beyond your dreams You see it clear The path's sure Keep moving here [Final Chorus] Push your handcart Push your handcart Have gratitude and endure Push your handcart Keep on now Still, all is well, that's sure

Elder Dallin H. Oaks https://www.lds.org/general-conference/2013/10/no-other-gods?lang=eng

“There are many political and social pressures for legal and policy changes to establish behaviors contrary to God’s decrees about sexual morality and contrary to the eternal nature and purposes of marriage and childbearing. These pressures have already authorized same-gender marriages in various states and nations. Other pressures would confuse gender or homogenize those differences between men and women that are essential to accomplish God’s great plan of happiness.
“Our understanding of God’s plan and His doctrine gives us an eternal perspective that does not allow us to condone such behaviors or to find justification in the laws that permit them. And, unlike other organizations that can change their policies and even their doctrines, our policies are determined by the truths God has identified as unchangeable.

“In this determination we may be misunderstood, and we may incur accusations of bigotry, suffer discrimination, or have to withstand invasions of our free exercise of religion. If so, I think we should remember our first priority–to serve God–and, like our pioneer predecessors, push our personal handcarts forward with the same fortitude they exhibited.”“Our twelfth article of faith states our belief in being subject to civil authority and ‘in obeying, honoring, and sustaining the law.’But man’s laws cannot make moral what God has declared immoral. Commitment to our highest priority–to love and serve God–requires that we look to His law for our standard of behavior. For example, we remain under divine command not to commit adultery or fornication even when those acts are no longer crimes under the laws of the states or countries where we reside. Similarly, laws legalizing so-called ‘same-sex marriage’ do not change God’s law of marriage or His commandments and our standards concerning it. We remain under covenant to love God and keep His commandments and to refrain from serving other gods and priorities–even those becoming popular in our particular time and place.

Clean From Within

President Oaks reminded us to love one another, even our enemies. Enemies= those who actively oppose us. There is so much he said.  Please watch. It inspired this poem.

 [Verse 1]

Pray. For how toxic it is To have hate in your heart! Be cleansed from within That understanding impart, And blessings on your enemy start [Pre-Chorus] Love one another Even as Jesus would [Chorus] Love, like no other He showed, with gratitude (With gratitude) He taught us how love is good He taught us how love is good [Verse 2] Pray. For how toxic it is To have hate in your heart! Be cleansed from within That understanding impart, And blessings on your enemy start [Pre-Chorus] Love one another Even as Jesus would [Chorus] Love, like no other He showed, with gratitude (With gratitude) He taught us how love is good He taught us how love is good [Bridge] Start the healing now Let mercy lead the way Let every bitter wound Turn soft beneath Your grace Bless the one who hurt you And watch the shadows move Love one another That is what He taught us to do [Chorus] Love, like no other He showed, with gratitude (With gratitude) He taught us how love is good He taught us how love is good

Fall Back in Submission

 

Fall back. Submit
Into the waters of Christ
Be taught, repent,
And receive a holy light

Like a child treading waters
Fall back into the saving arms
Of our Heavenly Father
Feel protected and safe from harm

Completely enveloped
Trust in His wisdom and care
Faith is more developed
As you gain pure light to share

Next time as you hold the blessed emblems

Be fully enveloped in Christ's presence

To uphold the divine gift of the sacrament

In the moment be swept away, present

And then, when you tilt your head back

To sip from the Lord's cleansing cup

Think how the atonement purifies with power

And sanctifies. Give thanks and look up

"When i attended EFY last year there was a lesson taught on the sacrament, it taught me a greater appreciation of the healing power of the sacrament. The fact that in being baptized we must fall backwards into the water is instructive. In partaking of these emblems every week we must do it in a submission of our will to God, which allows us to be healed and forgiven. I learned that every time we partake of this ordinance we are completely enveloped in the waters of Christ or the love of God it acts as a cleansing, purifying, and sanctifying medicine. Every time i have renewed my covenants since that lesson i have pondered and thought on that baptismal covenant, that i was submitting my will to the Father, and that i was being fully enveloped in the presence of my savior Jesus Christ. Elder Oaks is on target, we must do everything possible to uphold the divine gift of the sacrament, we must not allow ourselves to be swept away in the weekly routine of sacrament participation." Anthony H 3 Dec 2011 https://www.lds.org/youth/article/how-to-prepare-for-the-sacrament?lang=eng

Promptings for What to Do and Say

Live your life in such a way

That promptings will come

Be humble, repent and pray

Ask what should be done

What weighs you down?

Pray Always

Humbly

There's a lighter way

Fortify your foundation

By reading in the sacred Word

Love will light your mind and heart

In a way that's both felt and heard

What weighs you down?

Pray Always

Humbly

There's a lighter way

As you practice these simple things

You will be quickly on your Way

To experience the joy that each day brings

Aa you will know what to do and say!

What weighs you down?

Pray Always

Humbly

There's a lighter way

Love will light and lead you with

What to do and say

This poems was inspired by an interview with Elder Ballard and President Oaks. 

https://youtube.com/shorts/b6xERN88xmY?si=gnlvOYuiknBjcNP1

Easter Peacemakers

Easter-is a time to be cleansed For renewal in energy and mind Rebirth unto us, Christ sends Pure charity towards all, we find Love your enemy like He does And let there not be contention Bless those who curse you, enough! Do good and try to build a connection Chorus] Be one, wholly- holy Like the blessed name we share wholly holy, only Shine with his Light, care To all, everywhere wholly holy, only Persecuted and singled out The words attack. they are meant to strike But, try to soften the message others shout Live peaceably with all, alike For, we are all God's children We are to love one another And make Earth a bit of Heaven Let's treat others like sisters and brothers [Chorus] Be one, wholly- holy Like the blessed name we share wholly holy, only Shine with his Light, care To all, everywhere wholly holy, only Jesus showed this by example When He restored the ear cut off When one wants to be an enemy Return with kindness ever soft [Chorus] Be one, wholly- holy Like the blessed name we share wholly holy, only Shine with his Light, care To all, everywhere wholly holy, only

Our prophet opened Easter Sunday's general conference with a beautiful message of how to be like the Savior and be a peacemaker.  "True faith filled with love knows no contention" #generalconference

https://youtube.com/shorts/BfGg28DRVQ8?si=aUqpDxTawms79d69

Take Heart

This is the time to take heart
For peace, despite tribulation
Prayer is a great place to start
To receive your  revelation 

Pondering President Oaks' words to BYU in 2017.

https://youtube.com/shorts/iD4NlLUKRKg?si=E3Kh0oK_ZYB69GDk

Racism and Citizenship

 

Root out hatred.

It spreads like weeds.

Then plant a bed

Of faithful seeds!

President Oaks words were just what we need to hear! Read the following:

President Dallin H. Oaks, first counselor in the First Presidency, speaks ... However, as followers of Christ we must forego the anger and hatred with ... Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, we must do better to help root out racism.

https://www.thechurchnews.com/leaders-and-ministry/2020-10-03/general-conference-october-2020-saturday-morning-session-president-oaks-racism-politics-193993

The Battle

The gospel is all about

The battle of truth and error.

There is no middle ground.

There is either light or terror.

Loving Others and Living with Differences

"The gospel of Jesus Christ and the covenants we have made inevitably cast us as combatants in the eternal contest between truth and error. There is no middle ground in that contest."

—Dallin H. Oaks, ""Loving Others and Living with Differences""
Topics: Covenants

Push Your Handcart through the Pain and Adversity

Push your handcart

towards light.

With all your heart,

mind, and might.

Along the trail

others mock.

Still, all is well.

Keep on.  Walk.

Push your handcart.

Press on. Pray.

True standards chart

the Lord's way.

Show fortitude.

The path's sure!

Have gratitude

and endure.

for·ti·tude (n)

1. courage in pain or adversity.

   synonyms:

   courage, bravery, endurance, resilience, mettle, moral fiber, strength of mind, strength of character, strong-mindedness, backbone, spirit, grit,true grit, steadfastness

Elder Dallin H. Oaks https://www.lds.org/general-conference/2013/10/no-other-gods?lang=eng

“There are many political and social pressures for legal and policy changes to establish behaviors contrary to God’s decrees about sexual morality and contrary to the eternal nature and purposes of marriage and childbearing. These pressures have already authorized same-gender marriages in various states and nations. Other pressures would confuse gender or homogenize those differences between men and women that are essential to accomplish God’s great plan of happiness.
“Our understanding of God’s plan and His doctrine gives us an eternal perspective that does not allow us to condone such behaviors or to find justification in the laws that permit them. And, unlike other organizations that can change their policies and even their doctrines, our policies are determined by the truths God has identified as unchangeable.

“In this determination we may be misunderstood, and we may incur accusations of bigotry, suffer discrimination, or have to withstand invasions of our free exercise of religion. If so, I think we should remember our first priority–to serve God–and, like our pioneer predecessors, push our personal handcarts forward with the same fortitude they exhibited.”“Our twelfth article of faith states our belief in being subject to civil authority and ‘in obeying, honoring, and sustaining the law.’But man’s laws cannot make moral what God has declared immoral. Commitment to our highest priority–to love and serve God–requires that we look to His law for our standard of behavior. For example, we remain under divine command not to commit adultery or fornication even when those acts are no longer crimes under the laws of the states or countries where we reside. Similarly, laws legalizing so-called ‘same-sex marriage’ do not change God’s law of marriage or His commandments and our standards concerning it. We remain under covenant to love God and keep His commandments and to refrain from serving other gods and priorities–even those becoming popular in our particular time and place.

More than ANYTHING

I want more than anything

To be known as a loving

Harmonious kind Saint

So this picture of Christ, I'll paint:

He said to those judging a sinner,

"Who will cast the first stone?" Then, to restore

the one found in sin, He knelt down to her,

helped her up and said, "Go and sin no more."


here is an inspiring site: http://mormonsandgays.org/

Loving Others and Living with Differences

"Even as we seek to be meek and to avoid contention, we must not compromise or dilute our commitment to the truths we understand."

—Dallin H. Oaks, "Loving Others and Living with Differences"
Topics: Loving Others

Why Do You Serve

Why do you help? 

Who is it for? 

Forget your self. 

Be like the Lord.

https://www.lds.org/ensign/1984/11/why-do-we-serve?lang=eng
Why Do We Serve?  Elder Dallin H. Oaks Ensign Nov 1984

It is necessary to consider not only how we serve, but also why we serve...strive to serve for the reasons that are highest and best.

Motivations for service:

*to achieve prominence or cultivate contacts, to obtain worldly honors, prominence, or power.

*for the sake of riches or honor -“priestcraft.” (Alma 1:16.) Nephi said, “Priestcrafts are that men preach and set themselves up for a light unto the world, that they may get gain and praise of the world; but they seek not the welfare of Zion.” (2 Ne. 26:29.)to be seen 

*to obtain good companionship.  “They that are whole need not a physician; but they that are sick. I came not to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance.” (Luke 5:31–32.)

*because of a socially prominent friend and fellow worker

* “to please ourselves.” (Rom. 15:1.) ... earthly rewards 

 *...a sense of duty or loyalty to friends, family, or traditions.-instinctively do what they are asked without question and sometimes without giving much thought to the reasons for their service. 

*... to be a willing, cheerful giver.” (2 Cor. 9:6–7.) 

*out of fear of punishment or out of a sense of duty  

*the hope of an eternal reward... “If you keep my commandments and endure to the end you shall have eternal life, which gift is the greatest of all the gifts of God.” (D&C 14:7.) 

to walk “a more excellent way.” (1 Cor. 12:31.) “Charity is the pure love of Christ.” (Moro. 7:47.) The Book of Mormon teaches us that this virtue is “the greatest of all.”

Hope for the Years Ahead

Hope for the years ahead. Hold to your faith.  Be led. Strengthen your rights.  Unite. Voice your conscience with might. Hope for the Years Ahead "Religious leaders and believers must unite to strengthen our freedom to teach what we have in common, as well as to teach and exercise our very real religious differences. We must walk shoulder to shoulder on the same path in order to secure our freedom to pursue our separate ways when that is necessary according to our distinctive beliefs. We must also insist on our constitutional right to exer­cise our beliefs and to voice our con­sciences on issues in the public square and in the halls of justice. These are the rights of all citizens, including religious believers, leaders, and organizations." —Dallin H. Oaks, "Hope for the Years Ahead" Topics: Freedom

Standards to Live

I look to God's laws
A simple short list
Without them, I'm lost
They're standards to live.

I trust in God's laws  
And strive to obey
Because He loves us
He shows forth the way

Elder Dallin H. Oaks
No Other Gods
November 2014, Ensign

"Man's laws cannot make moral what God has declared immoral. Commitment to our highest priority- to love and serve God- requires that we look to His law for our standard of behavior."

Behind the Extraditions: Joseph Smith

"The Constitution is a glorious standard

Founded in the wisdom of God!"

Said Joseph Smith, though he himself slandered

As he could not get the redress he sought

"Not until the end of the Civil War would the Bill of Rights in the U.S. Constitution begin to be extended to the states, Elder Oaks noted. "Therefore, during Joseph's life, fundamental First Amendment rights like the free exercise of religion and freedom of speech and press only restrained the federal government. During Joseph Smith's lifetime, individual states had to define and regulate such rights at the local level.""It was not surprising that when Joseph Smith ran for the U.S. presidency in 1844, one of the planks in his platform was to strengthen the federal government's ability to ensure justice and redress for all citizens and to ensure that the Constitution was applied equally to the states," he said. Controversial though his position was at the time, it ultimately became the law of the land "and a critical component in America's democracy," he added.  Dallin H. Oaks speaking in Illinois.  

Behind the Extraditions: Joseph Smith, the Man and the Prophet

Where did his genius come from? Divine revelation, Elder Oaks says

By R. Scott Lloyd

slandered   (Rhymnzone.com)

• noun:   words falsely spoken that damage the reputation of another
• noun:   an abusive attack on a person's character or good name
• verb:   charge falsely or with malicious intent; attack the good name and reputation of someone

Strengthening the Free Exercise of Religion - Elder Dallin H. Oaks

Shoulder to shoulder, for religion, let us unite and walk

On this enduring path, let us exercise our rights and talk

Let us speak of our common goal to remain free

To act as our creator taught us how to be

Let us speak of our faiths, each to stand apart

And fan the flame of belief of which we're a part

Under God, we are what lights this country strong

A city on a hill offering freedom's song