February 22 we celebrate George Washington’s Birthday. Washington was the one indispensable man in the American revolution–a revolution that was not just for the citizens of this country, but set into motion a Republic built on Democratic principles that would prosper and eventually be duplicated around the world. It was Washington’s strength of character and quiet but strong belief in God that sustained him as general and first president. His place in history was secured when he voluntarily stepped down from power without choosing his successor–a first in history. I have borrowed a quote from the Ananda website concerning Master’s comments on this great soul.
A photograph was taken of “Swami Yogananda’s Los Angeles Class.”
Yogananda visited Washington’s tomb and offered flowers on this day in history.
1927
Yogananda visited Mount Vernon with his students and gave a talk. A photograph was taken showing him leaving a wreath at Washington’s grave. His words to the audience included the following:
“As Washington performed his duty he never forgot the Giver of all gifts. That is what inspired me in his life. In India he always inspired me with this thought. His love for Truth was greater than love of party politics.
“I believe that though patriotism is necessary, it should not exclude Spiritual Truth because patriotism which excludes international well-being is built on loose stones. But patriotism which is firmly built on the everlasting source of Truth, that patriotism which loves Truth and Truth Alone, that nation is based on such patriotism as Washington possessed… and the great good that he did to the world and to America is ever awake with us.
“He is ever living in the minds of the world, and we must always be inspired by his example… for he inspired not only thousands, hundreds of thousands, but millions.”
We also reflect on one of the great personalities of these past one hundred years as Billy Graham passed away at the age of 99. He was a powerful orator and dedicated his life to issuing out the call to accept Jesus Christ as one’s personal Lord and Savior. He was noted for his ethical life, at a time when many famous preachers have fallen into disrepute. He is the most widely known preacher of his day, and he inspired many to change their lives. Here is an excerpt from a tribute that Larry sent to me from Cal Thomas, a columnist, that I found to be insightful about this dedicated servant of Jesus.
In my long career in journalism, I have met many famous people, but none of them impressed me as much as William Franklin “Billy” Graham. The reason had less to do with his fame and movie star looks; it was his humility that was so attractive, so refreshing, so like the One he faithfully served.
My conversations with him quickly turned to me. He wanted to know about my family, how I was doing. Politicians do this, too, but often it is a manipulative technique. With Graham, it was real. It is why so many loved him, including those who do not share his faith.
Graham desegregated his meetings long before it became “fashionable.” Especially in the South this was a dangerous thing to do in the 1950s. He once told me of a conversation he had with Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. in which he quoted King as saying to him about desegregation and civil rights, “You take the stadiums and I’ll take the streets.”
In a 1979 interview I conducted with him for a book called “Public Persons and Private Lives: Intimate Interviews,” Graham told me that the accolades he had received shocked him because he did not feel worthy to preach. In others, this might seem like false humility, but not with Graham. I had observed him long enough to know that the light grace of humility rested easily on him.
Graham said he “felt everything (the Apostle) Paul felt” – inadequate, sinful and weak in the flesh. And then he said, “I’ve been asked ‘How do you feel when you stand up to preach?’ Usually I feel totally inadequate and wish that the floor would open up and let me drop through. There are many times when I stand up that I almost feel like running from the stadium. I feel like I have nothing to give these people…And then I remember that it’s the power of the Word. It’s not me.”
“I’d be delighted to go today,” he told me. “I look forward to death. In a way, I suppose it’s because I’ve studied a great deal in the Scriptures concerning Heaven. I believe it’s going to be something beyond anything that we could imagine. Death is going to be a wonderful experience. I hope they don’t dope me up. I want to experience death, because I think even the suffering is a part of life and that in suffering we gain spiritual strength.”
And, I ask, what will you say to the Christ whom you have served most of your life when you see Him?
“I know I’m going to fall down before him and say, ‘Lord forgive me,’ I think that’s what I’ll say.”