Wednesday, October 5, 2011

England- the British Empire

In 1900 the British Empire spanned the globe.  They were the only super power of their day.  The English controlled 25% of the world's population and 25% of the world's land mass.  They were the biggest dog on the block.  They were so big, they were almost the only dog on the block.

World War One put a good deal of stress on the empire.  It also saw the rise of other world powers.  World War Two just about put an end to England.  Hitler almost won the battle for Brittan. British outposts all over the world were overrun by the Axis powers.  After the war was over, those protectorates and overseas holdings began seeking their freedom.  England was a disaster after the war and could no longer take care of them anyway.

Today the British Empire is not an empire.  England has a few small holdings around the world.  They are all tiny islands of no real significance whatsoever.  England is a shadow of it's former self.

I have been wondering.  What did it feel like to be a resident of England during these times of transition?  I am sure that the people were afraid.  I am sure that they wondered what the future held.  I am sure that they wished for the good old days, but they were gone, forever.  The good news is that although their empire ended, the world did not end for the English.  Residents of England continued to live.  They still got married, had families, went to church, went to work, went to the pub and told their stories.

The moral of this tale should be clear.  Sometimes things change for nations, but we still have the opportunity to live.  Let us not be overcome with fear, but thank God for the gifts of this life.  May we do everything that we can to help America remain strong, but no matter what the future holds, we can live and we can thank God for the goodness of this life.

It's a beautiful day in God's world, be sure to see the good.

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