President Trump was criticized for walking across Lafayette Square and holding his Bible in front of St. John’s Church. The term “photo-op” was one that was tossed about even before he took the first step out of the White House. 

The criticism, whether from agnostics on the left or conservatives on the right, was all based upon a universal presumption of internal motive. They all say or imply that President Trump’s motive was to have a politically oriented photo-op.  Those who presume to judge are likely to be looking through the prism of their own motives. 

I watched and had a different perspective. As he held the Bible with both hands, I thought of an old hymn, “How Firm a Foundation.” Here are a few lines from that famous and powerful hymn. 

How firm a foundation, ye Saints of the Lord, Is laid for your faith in his excellent word! When through fiery trials thy pathway shall lie, My grace, all sufficient, shall be thy supply.

I did not see a politically motivated photo-op. I saw a President who was facing unprecedented attacks and multiple national crises. I choose to see it as being as important to him personally to stand on the truth of the Bible as it was to make a public statement to America.

On this day 76 years ago, another American President, led the nation in a prayer for victory. My readers see this message every year but sadly, this historic prayer is not a part of the basic historic education of America. 

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