And keep us safe and free,
Safe from "all our enemies"
Wherever they may be.
For enemies are forces
That often dwell within,
Things that seem so harmless
Become a major sin.
Little acts of selfishness
Grow into lust and greed,
And make the love of power
Our idol and our creed.
For all our wealth and progress
Are as worthless as can be,
Without the faith that made us great
And kept our nation free.
And while it's hard to understand
The complexities of war,
Each one of us must realize
That we are fighting for
The principles of freedom
And the decency of man,
But all of this much be achieved
According to God's plan.
So help us as Americans
To search deep down inside,
And discover if the things we do
Are always justified.
And teach us to walk humbly
And closer in Thy ways,
And give us faith and courage
And put purpose in our days.
And make each one of us aware
That each must do his part,
For in the individual is where peace
Must have its start.
For a better world to live in
Where all are safe and free,
Must start with faith and hope
And love deep in the heart of "Me."
~ Helen Steiner Rice
