One of the comforts that carries us through crises such as we are experiencing as a nation on multiple fronts, especially leadership, is the wisdom imparted by those who have gone before, and whose ideas are still with us.

Sidney Poitier, in the movie of the above title, acted the part of a young man just out of military service, working his way across the U.S., and camping out of his car – something many of us have done. A Catholic nun appeals to his conscience to build her order a church, gratis, to serve the poor in a remote New Mexico community.

Poitier builds the church, at first alone. His pride causes him to resist, but eventually he accepts community help. He teaches the nuns to sing his hymn of joy before continuing on his journey through life, knowing he has made a difference.

The movie played for many consecutive years around Easter time. All the world’s great religions agree on the immortality of the soul, not on where it goes after its human container dies. King Solomon said he had no idea what happens after we die, but advised that we eat, drink, and enjoy life that we may better accomplish the hard work God assigns us.

When we team up and work together, there is a beauty to our endeavor that is comparable to the lilies of the field. Rather than wait to push them up from the grave, we have hard work to do now to resurrect our nation.

Rex Redden

South Brewster County