Is America still “Our Home Sweet Home?” Has God slowly been taken out of the equation? Do God and real faith still exist in the world? Lately so many freedoms are slipping through our fingers.

Our country was founded upon Judeo-Christian values; we knew the Ten Commandments. We believed in our freedoms of life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness. Do we have the right to decide who lives and who dies? The liberals have changed the word “abortion” into “choice” to make us feel better about killing the unborn. Are we so blind that we can’t see euthanasia will follow?

Following Sept. 11, 2001, people helped one another. Churches were full. Members of Congress spontaneously stood on the Capitol steps to sing “God Bless America.” What happened?

There is so much noise hitting us from all sides that I believe God has been put on the back burner too long! Internet, cell phones, corrupt television programs, dishonesty in politics and the church – where will this all end? If we would “love one another,” peace would abound. If you have an open relationship with your God, you wouldn’t have to worry. Is God your best friend? Your best friend will never abandon you. St. Padre Pio had a motto: “Pray, Trust and Don’t Worry.” Trust in the infinite goodness of Almighty God.

Do we need another major catastrophe to bring us again to our knees? We have allowed God to be taken out of our schools. If you listen attentively, many department stores and supermarkets do not play many or any religious songs during the Christmas season.

Are our freedoms as Americans being taken away? Do Americans believe in our constitutional right to bear arms to defend ourselves and families? Are we supposed to wait until government takes away our guns? When government takes away our guns, then the criminals will be able to take everything from us. Is this a democracy? Wake up, America! We let God and prayer be taken out of our schools with hardly a fight. Some now think that they can play God, including legalizing abortion on demand, for the entire nine months of pregnancy. At the time of conception, all the genetic material is present for a unique human being that God wants to be born.

Pope John Paul II stated, “America, you are beautiful and blessed. The ultimate test of your greatness is the way you treat every human being, but especially the weakest and most defenseless. If you want equal justice for all, and true freedom and lasting peace, then America, defend life!”

Maria Landue