In
Essentials, Unity
In
Non-Essentials, Liberty
In
All Things, Charity
The Grange motto
consists of just these ten words. This first day of Grange month, it seems
appropriate to start with the Grange motto. These few words are a great way to
start explaining the Grange to those who don’t know who we are.
Think about the first
line, “In essentials, Unity”. When I think of essentials and the Grange, the
vision of a group that puts personal integrity and shared values ahead of
disagreements is what pops into my head. The core belief of our shared
principles and values serve as the common ground to bring liberal or
conservative together. We come together to both morn losses and celebrate successes because we
are united through the Grange. A group of people, family by any definition, who
care and aid each other to reach their full potential is true unity and
essential.
The second line, “In
Non-Essentials, Liberty” is truly American. Even while united by common cause,
each member is free to follow their own path in their own pursuit of happiness.
What church to attend, or not; which political party to belong to, or not; how
to live your own life belongs to each of us alone. Liberty is the freedom to
choose what to buy, where to go, what causes to support, and who to hang out
with in our free time. The non-essentials are the material aspects of life, the
raucousness of American politics, and so many other things that consume our
precious time. It isn’t that these things are not important; it is a reminder
that each of us has the liberty to indulge in the non-essentials as we choose
to do so.
The motto ends with “In
All Things, Charity”. Charity is giving of our valuable time to benefit others.
Charity is giving of our abundant resources to causes seeking great things.
Charity is giving the benefit of the doubt to those who disagree with us.
America is one of the most giving countries every to exist. We open our wallets
and hearts or we lend a hand to those needing help. Yet our motto is in all
things, not just material or physical help. Grangers don’t call people names
when they disagree with them. Grangers seek first to educate and lift people up
rather than to chastise those who make mistakes.
I hope that every
Grange member will reflect upon our Grange Motto during the month of April.
Share with someone what the Grange motto means to you and let Grange month
become the moment that you add a new member to our Grange family.
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