Concord Hymn

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Photo: Kirk Heflin BY the rude bridge that arched the flood,  Their flag to April’s breeze unfurled,  Here once the embattled farmers stood  And fired the shot heard round the world.  The foe long since in silence slept;  Alike the conqueror silent sleeps;  And Time the ruined bridge has swept  Down the dark stream which seaward creeps. On this green bank, by this soft stream,  We set to-day a votive stone;  That memory may their deed redeem,  When, like our sires, our sons are gone.  Spirit, that made those heroes dare  To die, and leave their children free,  Bid Time and Nature gently spare  The shaft we raise to them and thee. Ralph Waldo Emerson (1803–1882) (The Battle of Concord was fought on April 19, 1775, the start of the American Revolutionary War)

10 Opportunities To Be Forgiving

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  1. When you make a mistake, forgive yourself.
  2. When others make a mistake.
  3. When you discern between blatant deception and human error.
  4. When you have the opportunity to teach, addressing ignorance with humility.
  5. When you find the same offense (or worse) in yourself. 
  6. When someone offends in a way you have already been forgiven.
  7. When someone confesses wrongdoing against you, showing remorse.
  8. When you are ready to give up your rights, jealousy and/or criticism.
  9. When you can restore broken relationships.
  10. When the painful season of punishment is over.


“The essence of man is imperfection.” (Norman Cousins)

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