Consider this: What about Americans who are people of faith?

Before the slings and arrows are thrown, let's be clear right from the start -- this is no message condoning anyone who uses his or her faith or beliefs to harm another or to infringe on or to limit the rights of another.

But since it is Easter Sunday, and since there are millions of Americans who will be in church today, why not talk about the elephant in the room.

When did Christians become targets?

It is a discouraging aspect of today's world -- and one that many people lament because it suggests that these days, the only group that is subject to constant derision and stereotypes are those who make faith a part of their lives.

If you are a Christian these days, you are automatically labeled by some as a bigot who blindly follows a doctrine at the expense of your fellow man. You must be small-minded and less than intelligent, they say, if you put faith first in your life.

In fact, there are many who seek to rewrite some of this nation's history -- ignoring the part that religion played in the very fabric of early America. They also seek to remove any reference to faith from government, from our schools and from some of our most hallowed institutions.

What a sad view of a part of our lives that has made communities and this nation a kinder and gentler place to live for hundreds of years.

So let's talk about faith.

This community is full of churches. And inside those churches are thousands of people who not only worship on Sundays, but who are also active in their communities.

They are the ones who rally to serve the sick and to feed the poor.

They never miss a chance to share the testimony of the blessings that have enriched their lives -- and to rejoice in the blessings of others.

They collect thousands of dollars in food and clothing for those who could use a hand, and offer solace to many who are suffering or who are in need of a friend.

They are the first ones in line with hammers in hand when there work to be done. And when there is money to be raised, their baking pans and cookbooks and sewing machines and knitting needles stand at the ready.

Their service is not just at home, either. When there is a call in another part of the world, there are thousands who leave their own lives behind to embark on mission trips.

And, by the way, many of those people to which we refer are not adults.

There are also thousands of young people who share their faith, their talents and their smiles with their peers and their neighbors.

We know you know all of that,but sometimes, it is important to remind ourselves just how much faith matters.

So, today, on Easter Sunday, we salute all of the many thousands of people of faith who make their lives about more than themselves.

It is why communities like ours are strong now -- and will be even stronger in the future.

And that is something we should never forget -- no matter what anybody else says.

Published in Editorials on April 4, 2015 11:32 PM