Quotations for Daily Use

Advocate for Others

"Among American citizens, there should be no forgotten men and no forgotten races." October 26, 1936 - Franklin Roosevelt, (1882–1945), 32nd president of the U.S. 1933–45; This quote is built into the Roosevelt Memorial in Washington D.C.

"During the campaign for president in 1880 even as James Garfield was not doing any of the campaigning . . . and speaking to the members of a singing group from an all-black university in Nashville, Tennessee after they sang to James Garfield in front of his modest farmhouse. 'And I tell you now, in the closing days of this campaign, that I would rather be with you and defeated than against you and victorious.' " 20th USA President James A. Garfield

"Either we are with the poor, or we are not. God teaches us to most help the poor. Any other interpretation is unacceptable." Padre Leo of Nuevo Laredo, Mexico, from Enrique's Journey by Sonia Nazario

"First they came or the Socialists, and I did not speak out - because I was not a Socialist. Then they came for the Trade Unionists, and I did not speak out - because I was not a Trade Unionist. Then they came for the Jews, and I did not speak out - because I was not a Jew. And then they came for me - and there was no one left to speak for me." Martin Niemoller, (1892–1984), German Lutheran pastor. An outspoken opponent of Nazism, he was imprisoned in Sachsenhausen and Dachau concentration camps (1937–45).

"Following the initial shock, however, came something altogether unexpected; their yawning indifference." 3rd person in Somewhere Safe with Somebody Good by Jan Karon

"I never meet a ragged boy in the street without feeling that I may owe him a salute, for I know not what possibilities may be buttoned up under his coat." President James Abram Garfield (November 19, 1831 – September 19, 1881) was the 20th President of the United States, serving from March 4, 1881, until his assassination later that year. President James A. Garfield (Note that I feel confident in stating that should President James A. Garfield who was a wonderful supporter of the rights of all citizens especially those recently freed from slavery rise from the grave today he would include "ragged girls" in this quote. db)

"It is high time we broke with our theologically based restraint towards the state's actions - which, after all is only fear. 'Speak out for those who cannot speak.' Who in the church today realizes that this is the very least that the Bible requires of us?" Dietrich Bonhoeffer, (1906–45), German Lutheran theologian and pastor

A prayer - "Look here, Father, this is serious business. Protect __________ wherever s/he is, bring an end to the fear I'm feeling, and give me wisdom. Show me precisely what to do, through Christ our Lord, Amen." Father Tim, a character in These High Green Hills by Jan Karon

"My most difficult moment . . . when I let myself focus on my own pain and fear. Then I became weaker." Eric Greitens in The Heart and the Fist

"Only he who cries out for the Jews may sing Gregorian chants." Dietrich Bonhoeffer, (1906–45), German Lutheran theologian and pastor; (The Roman Catholic Church officially considers Gregorian chants the music most suitable for worship. Listen to the chants online on YouTube.)

"3:1 There is a time for everything and a season for every activity under the heavens: 3:7 a time to be silent and a time to speak . . . " Ecclesiastes, New International Version

"There will be nothing of the kind. The surrender is now a fact. We have the fort, the men, the guns. Why should we go through vain forms and mortify and injure the spirit of brave men, who, after all, are our own countrymen." Ulysses S. Grant had been asked when the official ceremony would be held to parade the captured rebels, stack their weapons and have their standard lowered. Ulysses S. Grant(born; Hiram Ulysses Grant;April 27, 1822 – July 23, 1885 was an American soldier, politician, and international statesman who served as the 18th president of the United States from 1869 to 1877. During the American Civil War, General Grant, with President Abraham Lincoln, led the Union Army to victory over the Confederacy.

"That God certainly intended to create a human being and that his nascent human being has been deliberately deprived of his life. And that is nothing but murder." Dietrich Bonhoeffer, 4 February 1906 – 9 April 1945) was a German Lutheran pastor, theologian, anti-Nazi dissident, and key founding member of the Confessing Church.

"When I was a boy and I would see scary things in the news my mother would say to me, 'Look for the helpers. You will always find people who are helping.' To this day, especially in times of disaster, I remember my mother's words, and I am always comforted by realizing that there are still so many helpers - so many caring people in this world." Fred Rogers (Mr. Rogers) - Fred McFeely Rogers (March 20, 1928 – February 27, 2003) was an American television personality, musician, puppeteer, writer, producer, and Presbyterian minister. He was known as the creator, composer, producer, head writer, showrunner, and host of the preschool television series Mister Rogers' Neighborhood (1968–2001). The program was marked by its slow pace and its host's calm manner.

"You Christians are glad when someone else does what you know must be done, but it seems that somehow you are unwilling to get your own hands dirty and do it." Dietrich Bonhoeffer, (1906–45), German Lutheran theologian and pastor

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