Month: September 2026

“Every difference of opinion is not a difference of principle.  We have called by different names brethren of the same principle.”

 — Thomas Jefferson, First Inaugural Address, 1801

Occasionally, I crave a Wendy’s burger — a single, no onion, but everything else.  During my career, when I was in a hurry, I drove through Wendy’s or Chick-fil-A and ate in the parking lot before heading to another appointment.  Fast, affordable, and delicious.

The other day, my craving got the best of me.  I talked my husband into a Wendy’s with no onion.  David doesn’t like crumbs in his car, so we went inside.

When the nice woman rang up the total, I think my mouth fell open, not from hunger, but from the price.  Lordy, I need to go back to work to afford a hamburger!

“It’s incredible how expensive food is these days,” my husband remarked as he paid.  He wasn’t complaining, just making an observation.    The cashier, a woman a few years younger than us, replied, “Yes, sir.  I’ve never seen our country like this in my lifetime.  It’s tough.”

Suddenly, my craving for that burger gave way to sadness.

Looking further

I looked beyond the cashier at the staff working in the back of the restaurant—the ones pouring French fries into hot grease and others assembling burgers.  I also noticed the lady who had just cleaned the restrooms and the teenager bagging the takeout orders.

Many people around us are struggling and should not be ignored.  These are individuals who cannot afford an occasional burger, medicine, or school supplies.  They work hard but still find it difficult to live in a place they can call home.

They are Americans.

Some people buy only prime beef, don’t worry about prescription costs, and pay for private schools.  They also work long hours, create jobs, and give generously to those who suffer.

They are Americans.

Many live in the in-between.  They balance home and work life to save for their children’s education, medical needs, and try to fulfill their family’s dreams.

They, too, are Americans.

From every corner of this nation, representing every race and socioeconomic class, we came together to fight in wars to preserve freedom for all.  We united to combat our enemies, and when we achieved victory, we gathered to celebrate across the land in joyful harmony.

We are all Americans, but we have allowed our American brotherhood to be divided in harmful ways.

Damaged brotherhood

Political discord and incivility have created a disturbing divide among many Americans.  Most of us dislike this situation.  It gets in the way of governing for the people.  When we prioritize winning over serving our nation, everyone suffers.

We are not a winner-take-all society.  We are a nation founded on principles of equality, freedom, and justice for all.

We have always disagreed.  That is part of being American.  But disagreement does not require disrespect, and our differences do not have to make us enemies.  We can believe differently and still care about one another.

Maybe we should think about our neighbors, family, church, Thanksgiving tables, friendships — people who can disagree and still sit beside each other.

The Bible puts it quite bluntly: “There are six things the Lord hates – no, seven: haughtiness, lying, murdering, plotting evil, eagerness to do wrong, a false witness, and finally …sowing discord among brothers.” Proverbs 6:16-19 The Living Bible

Is that simple enough to understand?  Most of us don’t want to do anything the Lord hates.  So why do some of us sow such division?  Is it merely for power?

We are Americans.

Joining hands

We are the woman behind the register at Wendy’s.  We are the people frying the fries.  We are families living from paycheck to paycheck and praying there is enough.

We are the people in the mansions and the people who live in the in-between.

We are the Americans who joined forces with our allies to defeat enemies and tyrants because we understood that all individuals deserved to live together in freedom.

I don’t think the average American enjoys living in a divided society.  We don’t want an America that separates, judges, or condemns others.  We are the people who notice others’ suffering and offer a helping hand.  We must not allow political discord and incivility to rob America of its goodness.

Perhaps we need to look beyond ourselves, notice the people beside us, and remember that we are all Americans.

I wasn’t prepared for how Dolly Parton’s death would affect me.  Perhaps it was because we were both Appalachian girls, born just a little over a year apart.  It could also be related to the story I wrote before she passed away.  Whatever the reason, her death made me stop and reflect on something most of us tend to avoid: one day, our own stories will come to an end.  What will we leave behind?

When I pass a mirror or see a recent photo of myself,  the image shocks me because I don’t feel that old on the inside!  That said, I don’t mind being my age because I keep growing and learning.

Yes, my right knee makes it difficult to put on my socks, but once I manage to do that, I’m ready to go.  I try to avoid the cursed recliner because sitting in that thing too long makes everything ache.

My father experienced circulation problems in his legs during the last years of his life, but at age 85, I know he entered heaven still young at heart.  I’m not sure where it began with the Walker family, but they are relentless in their pursuits until they are beneath the ground.

 Despite his difficulty walking, Dad would take his Windex bottle and paper towels to the parking lot of his senior citizens’ community and wash everyone’s car windows.  He believed that as long as he was breathing, he had a purpose and something to contribute.  Each day, he left behind a small act of kindness for someone.

My cousin, Bob, still practices law, complains about computer work, and checks on his cows at his farm.  He doesn’t stop his adventurous spirit until the sun sets.  Bob is seven years older than I am!

Value insight

Sitting idle and staring at the walls will age you faster than passing years ever could.  We need to keep learning and stay curious.  Find a reason to get up each morning and be grateful for another day.  Even if it means using Ben-Gay to ease the aches.

I know more about life today than I did fifty years ago.  And I value that insight.  I understand broken hearts will not kill you if you just take the time to heal.  None of us can make someone love us, but instead, we can appreciate any devotion that comes our way.  One thing about being broken is the compassion you gain for others who are also broken.

God is like a best friend.  When we feel overwhelmed by worry and uncertainty, He calms the storm within us.  I wasn’t sure I believed that when I was younger, but I do now.  The friendship I have with the Lord costs nothing, yet I cannot imagine living without it.

Family stories hold more value than any book you can purchase.  The legacies left by those who came before us can only be discovered if we are willing to seek them out.  These stories are extremely important for the generations that follow us.

The ending story

Years ago, I wondered why my grandmother held onto certain items.  Today, her old tea pitcher sits proudly in the hutch that my mom left me.  Every time I look at them, sweet memories fill my heart, and I cherish each one. 

“Lynn, the kids don’t want any of this stuff you have saved!”  My husband tells me.  My answer is the same: “Perhaps they just aren’t old enough yet!”  The shiny new items we once viewed as treasures have faded over time, while what we once considered junk has now become treasures.

More important than the things we accumulate, whether new or old, is the fact that the most valuable possession we own is ourselves.  What we choose to do with our days will ultimately determine our worth.

God grants us the ability to grow each day, not in size, but in wisdom.  What do we do with it?  Well, a recliner doesn’t help.  Becoming grumpy, rude, and stagnant is not God’s idea of using knowledge wisely

Life passes quickly.  Days grow shorter, and knees become sore, but what we carry in our hearts gives our lives meaning until the end.  What will our story be?

We all ponder our legacy.  It may not be something we build.  Maybe it is something we leave scattered behind us without ever knowing who will pick it up.

Everyone remembers my dad for his Windex bottle, his laughter, his funny stories, and his heartfelt tears.  While Cousin Bob is an accomplished attorney, I believe he will be remembered more as a spiritual adventurer—a true Walker.

No matter our age or level of success, let’s strive to be the best versions of ourselves.

 Don’t sit down; stand tall and be meaningful.