Madalyn Murray O’Hair is dead.  But we have a lot for which to thank this bold woman.  She actually did a great service to the Christian community when she made such a stink about time set aside for prayer in schools.  Why would I state something that sounds so heretical?

1.     By speaking out against prayer, Mrs. O’Hair actually brought attention to the vast need for prayer.  In those places where prayer time was completed out of habit, children were only exposed to prayer as a “ho-hum” experience, not the powerful connection to a loving Creator that it should be.

2.     Freedom of speech for one is freedom of speech for all.  If Christians can’t have public prayer in schools, then neither can Muslims, Buddhists, nor Hindus.  I guess that is reassuring to me:  my kids won’t be required to participate in another tradition.  Yes, it is important to know what other people believe so that we can be clearer on our beliefs.  But that doesn’t predispose participation.  When I was in Egypt, I learned about Islam, and it helped me to cherish my faith even more.

3.     I can still pray!  I don’t need permission from any governing authority to speak with my Heavenly Father.  At any moment, I can converse with Him. 

Madalyn Murray O’Hair made a dent on our society.  But she is dead. 

Jesus Christ changed the course of history when He died on the cross.  He rose from the dead and was seen by over 500 people.  He is alive.  Now that is worth staking my life on. 

Do you want to find out more?  www.needhim.org

Here’s an article about the strange life of Mrs. O’Hair:  http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Madalyn_Murray_O'Hair