I always thought “the angel still rides in the whirlwind” was from the Bible, but can’t find the reference online and don’t have my “right” Bible (with the references in the back so I could find the verse) with me (we’re traveling) . . . and I added the other part. :-)
I’m sure some smart Doser will know for sure!
Homemom, the refererence is to a letter John Page wrote to Thomas Jefferson in 1776. Perhaps Page was referencing a biblical passage. I don't know. Anyway, here's the passage from our Dubya's first Inaugural Address, January 20, 2001 (7 months and 22 days before the terrorist attacks):
After the Declaration of Independence was signed, Virginia statesman John Page wrote to Thomas Jefferson: "We know the race is not to the swift nor the battle to the strong. Do you not think an angel rides in the whirlwind and directs this storm?"Much time has passed since Jefferson arrived for his inauguration. The years and changes accumulate. But the themes of this day he would know: our nation's grand story of courage and its simple dream of dignity.
We are not this story's author, who fills time and eternity with his purpose. Yet his purpose is achieved in our duty, and our duty is fulfilled in service to one another.
Never tiring, never yielding, never finishing, we renew that purpose today, to make our country more just and generous, to affirm the dignity of our lives and every life.
This work continues. This story goes on. And an angel still rides in the whirlwind and directs this storm.
No passage from any presidential inauguration speech ever touched me like this particular one. I can still hear GWB's voice in my mind's ear as he spoke these lines eight years ago.
All: I have saved links to and passages from all of President Bush's key speeches. If anyone wants the links or passages, just FReemail me.
BTW, after eight turbulent years, I'm not ashamed to say I genuinely love this great man.