Day 97 of 1461

Verse

“The true power of a nation comes not from its weapons or rulers, but from the spirit of its people. When leaders forget to walk the path of truth and justice, it is the people’s duty to remember.” –Native American Teaching (Lakota Tradition)

Significance

This Lakota teaching reminds us that governments, no matter how large or powerful they may seem, draw their legitimacy and strength from the spirit and moral fiber of the people they are supposed to serve. When leadership turns away from justice, fairness, and truth, the people must not lose their way. Instead, they must anchor themselves even more firmly in the ideals of freedom, dignity, and compassion.

Today, we witness troubling signs of corruption and misuse of power by those who were entrusted to uphold the Constitution. Arresting individuals — even respected judges — under questionable pretenses threatens the very foundation of democracy. But history and wisdom teach us that governments are not gods. They are human systems, prone to flaws and failures. When they fail, it is our calling to live in a way that honors a higher truth, to fight peacefully and persistently for justice, and to hold fast to the freedoms we know are right. Fear cannot silence the spirit that believes in liberty.

Affirmation

“I will stand firm in the truth, even when those in power lose their way. I am not powerless. I am the living spirit of justice, and I will carry freedom forward with courage and love.”