Letter: Thanks Anderson commissioners for prayer vote

I would like to express my appreciation to the Anderson County Commissioners for approving a resolution in their Aug. 20 meeting to continue the tradition of invocations at the beginning of their meetings. The County Commission has always been supportive with regard to this practice, affirming the freedoms on which our country was founded.

The intention of an “Invocation” is to invoke a good and positive blessing through prayer.

Every book of faith, from the Holy Bible to the philosophers’ writings, speaks of prayer as a legitimate response to life. Some of us believe that God’s positive power can be experienced through prayer, and some of us know this for certain. Wouldn’t we admit that we need God’s positive power released in our lives and in the community in which we live?

As to Commissioner Whitey Hitchcock’s preferred “moment of silence,” he is certainly free to lead the invocation one month and to ask for a moment of silence, thereby offering his contribution to the overall diversity that can be observed in any given year’s time.

I’m proud to call Anderson County my home and appreciate all our leaders who bring positive influence to the forefront of their lives.

Myra Mansfield

Oak Ridge

Anderson County Sheriff’s Department Chaplain

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