Embracing Tradition, Hope and Courage to Push Forward
It would be fair to say that 2020 has been one of the most uncertain years most of us have ever experienced. It seems with every new week an unexpected disruption is waiting for us, ready to add to the disarray that seems to be the rule and not the exception of this year. It’s been incredibly disorienting, and I find myself asking occasionally how can we maintain hope when a return to normalcy still seems so distant? As we search for ways to move forward, we can find hope and comfort in embracing our traditions and find normalcy as we continue the well-established patterns in our daily lives.
The truth is that while the disruptions we’ve experienced this year have been abrupt, they’re not unlike other moments of uncertainty we’ve experienced in times past, whether as individuals or as a nation. In the last two decades alone, we had to find the means to come back from the devastation of the September 11th attacks and the uncertainty of the financial crisis of 2008. Through each of these moments, we worked through adversity and uncertainty to keep moving forward. In short, we are fully prepared and have what it takes to find hope in these moments, we just need to remind ourselves of just how resilient we are.
Finding hope, however, is an exercise that requires us to draw on tradition and experience. Whether passed down to us generationally or through trial and error on our own, the things that we’ve learned give us the foundations to see the light at the end of the tunnel when dealing with uncertainty. You’ve gotten this far. You owe it to yourself to respect the courage that it’s taken to do so. In having this respect for what each of us have already had to overcome in our lives, we can find hope in knowing that we’re capable of persevering no matter the circumstances.
Cherishing Family – The Core Building Block of Our Great Nation
In times of uncertainty or when things get tough, who do we turn to? We turn to family. We know that ‘family’ is who we can count on. So, not surprisingly, as the pandemic hit us earlier this year, so very many of us experienced a moment when we had the opportunity to spend more time with family. Moreover, we also had the opportunity to experience a much deeper appreciation for the strength that family can provide – In many ways – psychologically, financially, for our physical well-being, spiritually, lovingly, and more.
Family is more than just a word or people we are connected to through blood and marriage. It’s the backbone of our society and what keeps us strong!
In fact, the American family is an institution we cherish and embrace in everything we do. When we’ve watched TV over the years, we’ve gotten to know the Brady Bunch, the Tanner’s, the ‘Leave it to Beaver, Cleaver’s,’ the Simpsons and even the Flintstones! When we celebrate holidays it’s with family. From family-based phone plans to family coverage for healthcare. The way we live is centered around our belief in Family.
For instance, in the United States there are over 5.5 million businesses that are family run. Family businesses employ 63 percent of the workforce. According to Forbes.com, employees of family owned businesses are generally happier and more productive. They feel better about their jobs and it shows in their productivity. And, it’s no surprise. The commitment to support one another and be there for one another runs high.
Our ability to overcome, remain vigilant and be strong – especially in times of uncertainty - are all greatly enhanced when we have strong families that support us.
Voting – Our Civic and Patriotic Responsibility
Here we are less than two weeks before the election, and it’s critical to highlight the importance of voting. Despite the pandemic – or perhaps even because of it – this year in particular, it is so very vital that we overcome the challenges and uncertainties and fulfill our responsibility to vote!
While this election has been particularly divisive, this does not in any way diminish the importance of voting. And, while this year will be different – for instance, certainly there will be many absentee ballots cast, the act of voting shows a clear commitment to our representative form of government. In a sense, it is one of the most patriotic things we each individually can do.
On election day we come together to participate in the collective process of choosing our next leaders. While the media loves to focus on the Presidential candidates, the fact remains that some of our neighbors may be running for local office to work for us all on a much closer, community-based level. Voting demonstrates that we value that process, that we value our community, our state and our nation.
Positive Profile of the Week: Gordon MacDonald
This week we are pleased to profile our distinguished New Hampshire Attorney General Gordon MacDonald.
Gordon serves as the 30th Attorney General of the State of New Hampshire. A passionate leader and advocate for upholding New Hampshire values, Gordon has consistently dedicated his efforts to serving the people of New Hampshire throughout his career. For instance, prior to his appointment as Attorney General in 2017, Gordon led efforts for the protection of voters’ rights and voter integrity in our state as a partner at the law firm, Nixon Peabody.
Moreover, after graduating from Dartmouth College, even prior to becoming a lawyer, Gordon served the state as a key staff member for former United States Senator Gordon Humphrey. Gordon not only served as Legislative Director for Senator Humphrey but later served as his Chief of Staff.
And, just recently, earlier this week, acting as Attorney General, Gordon filed suit against the Commonwealth of Massachusetts in the United States Supreme Court in an effort to protect the New Hampshire Advantage and prevent our citizens from being required to pay Massachusetts income tax while working from their homes in New Hampshire.
A proud father and husband, MacDonald of Deering, New Hampshire is an active member in his profession. Gordon is a proven public servant and stalwart for always standing up for what is right. We are blessed to have Gordon MacDonald as a true leader in our state.
Quotes of the Week: Hope
“Hope lies in dreams, in imagination, and in the courage of those who dare to make dreams into reality.” – Jonas Salk
“All the great things are simple, and many can be expressed in a single word: freedom, justice, honor, duty, mercy, hope.” – Winston Churchill
“Hope can be a powerful force. Maybe there’s no actual magic in it, but when you know what you hope for most and hold it like a light within you, you can make things happen, almost like magic.” – Laini Taylor
“The very least you can do in your life is figure out what you hope for. And the most you can do is live inside that hope. Not admire it from a distance but live right in it, under its roof.” – Barbara Kingsolver
“Hope is the thing with feathers that perches in the soul and sings the tune without the words and never stops at all.” – Emily Dickinson