Our Father’s help

Several years ago, my daughter gave me the book, “Secret Lives of the US Presidents.” One story from it focused on the life of President Franklin Pierce, who was born into a prominent political family. His father had twice been New Hampshire’s governor. Despite that, in 1852, the Democratic Party did not seriously consider the future president until the 35th vote. He was not confirmed as his party’s candidate until the convention’s 49th ballot. Pierce was a compromise candidate, a Northerner who believed slavery was wrong, but who was committed to maintaining it for political reasons.

Pierce was outgoing; his wife, Jane, was not. She was frequently ill and suffered from depression. The couple faced numerous challenges. Their first child died as an infant, a second lived only four years, and a third died in a train accident while Pierce was the president-elect. The deaths of their children, coupled with the national struggle that would ultimately result in the Civil War, weakened their already fragile marriage.

Most historians agree Pierce was a likable man, but also acknowledge he was not up to the challenge of serving as our 14th president. At a time when the nation was already deeply divided about slavery, Pierce’s political commitment to something he believed was wrong only made the conflict worse. To deal with his personal and professional frustration, Pierce increasingly turned to alcohol.

At the start of the next presidential primary season in 1856, his party’s convention slogan was, “Anybody but Pierce.” When it became clear he would not be the Democratic Party’s candidate, he was asked about his plans after the presidency. He replied, “There’s nothing left… but to get drunk.” He unfortunately did more than get drunk; he stayed drunk and died from complications of alcoholism in 1869.

Since few of us are famous, our frustrations and failures are unlikely to be remembered 150 years after we die. The question is, how do we deal with our difficult moments? As I considered this question, my mind went to a promise God made in the Bible, “…I will be your Father, and you will be my sons and daughters, says the Lord Almighty.” (II Corinthians 6:18, NLT)

The passage prompted me to consider two facts. First, most parents have seen their sons and daughters make unhealthy choices and wanted to help; it is safe to assume God wants to do the same for his children. Second, our Heavenly Father’s desire to help us is tied to his almighty nature.

When we struggle, God is eager for us to turn to him as we would to a wise, supportive father who has all the resources we need. Had Pierce relied on God instead of alcohol, the story of his life would have been quite different, and we will never know how it might have changed history in the years leading up to the Civil War.