“In the truest sense, freedom cannot be bestowed; it must be achieved.”

— Franklin D. Roosevelt

We are already being bombarded with the question, “Who will be our next president?” Although we will not be voting until November of 2016 it seems that campaigning has become a perpetual cycle, not a periodic cycle. As we go through the voting booth we will select the next president of the United States of America. This is a momentous time. The election and presidential bids are signals of history.

What is the next chapter of our shared future? Who can be trusted to handle the next phase of the war on terror? Who can best guide our country with all of our problems? One of the White House hopefuls will become a powerful person on the planet. I do not know who will win but it is perplexing to be part of this historical era.

Our American illusion of invulnerability has been shattered. We need to feel freedom and certainty for ourselves, our nation and our world. The strength, standing and leadership in the world that so many generations of Americans have fought, died and worked for is the freedom we enjoy today. America is a country that hasn’t come easy. In our brief history we have been tested by revolution and slavery, war and depression, as well as great moments of civil and equal rights.

Are we sliding into chaos? How, as citizens, do we respond to so many crises of magnitude and more? Let’s just think of two: our brave young heroes and educating our youngsters.

Freedom is not free. We pay in blood, suffering and courage. It is important that we appreciate the sacrifice of our heroes. We owe them an enormous debt. We need to meet our obligations to those who defend and have defended our freedom.

War means “wounded men” needing severe medical care for shattered bodies. War causes the steady bleeding of the American economy and the killing of American boys. The families are the invisible casualties of war.

There is controversy and many new ideas concerning education at this time. Properly guiding young minds teaches kids that, with meaningful tools in their hands, they can master the basic skills of life with confidence. We must objectively measure their physical, mental and intellectual hurdles in order to help children reach the height they are capable of scaling.

The world is waiting, not knowing what is before us. At this hour we are praying for strength, for courage, for help, for wisdom, for guidance and love.

People are either seeking mentors or wanting to become mentors. According to “In Touch Ministries,” the basic principle of mentoring is one trusted and experienced person giving instruction, guidance and encouragement to another, either for a specific area of life or in general.

On Thursday, June 25 you are invited to the fourth annual community gathering to increase awareness of the Big Brothers Big Sisters of Southern Maine mentoring program. The soiree will be held at Sea Salt Lobster Restaurant in Saco, from 5-8 p.m. A festive evening of fun and friends, with great food, a guest speaker and an exciting silent auction is planned. For more information, call Sue Rowan 773-5437 or e-mail [email protected].

— Zaffie Hadiaris of Saco is the host of “Zaffie,” a weekly television talk show on Channel 3 Biddeford public access. It can also be seen at biddefordmaine.org. Contact Hadiaris at [email protected].