March 12, 2025 - Good Morning! It’s Wednesday, March 12.
On March 12, 1933 - 92 years ago tonight - a man sat down at a microphone and spoke to 60 million friends. Over the next twelve years, President Franklin Roosevelt would make many of these radio broadcasts, known as “fireside chats”, and he would always begin with the words, “My friends . . .”
No one had ever seen - or heard - anything quite like it. Roosevelt had harnessed the brand new technology of radio, and used it to speak directly to his people. It wasn’t a speech or a press conference - it was a calm, casual, confidant chat. And it was just what the American people needed. During those twelve years they would face the Great Depression and World War II, rivaling the Civil War as the most challenging period in U.S. history. Roosevelt used these intimate moments to quell rumors, dispel misinformation, and share his plans for the future. It was a comfort.
Roosevelt, a gifted communicator, used the miracle of radio to give hope to America. In the 1950’s the miracle became television. Now our leaders connect to us through the internet. And now we can connect to words of hope through the many internet scripture sites. We can find verses in dozens of different Bible translations. Having the wisdom of God at our fingertips . . . that’s a comfort.
Meet you back here tomorrow,
David
cindertex50@yahoo.com
