The greatest things in life are not free. Freedom is not free. Justice is not free. LOVE is not free. All must be fought for. All come at a high price. None, if they are to endure, can be taken for granted.
Our founders knew how expensive and hard fought their freedom. They knew our liberties would not endure by the establishment of mere rules and regulations. We seem to have forgotten what they knew was the foundation for enduring freedom, justice, and even love. The foundation?
A virtuous people.
They believed America’s liberties could only be maintained by the virtue of it’s people. You and I have been given some great gifts. You and I have some work to do, don’t we.
God, help me become a more virtuous one. Help me to not lose hope along the way. God, help me model the way, embrace pain and suffering, and embody truth in LOVE. God, help me endure. And, thank you for the greatest gift of all – grace. Thank you, Jesus, for paying the ultimate price…
BUILT TO LEAD 
“Don’t take money. Don’t take fame. Don’t need no credit card to ride this train. It’s strong and it’s true and it can be cruel sometimes. But it might just change your life. That’s the POW-er of love!” –Hewey Lewis (not free, but you can’t buy it, either). As you undoubtedly know, virtue is strength in right living, Chet. You are a role model for so many of us. But we understand your prayer to get even stronger. Keep getting stronger and let us help. Go, man.
Thanks for your “and,” Sully. Looking forward to your writings coming my way soon…