By Congressman Markwayne Mullin
This Easter, I find myself thinking more about the importance of serving one another. My wife and I have always taught our kids to follow the Golden Rule of the Bible: “Do unto others as you would have them do unto you.” As a Christian, I believe that it is our duty to take care of our friends, our neighbors, and those we do not know.
During this Easter week, we also remember the victims of the Oklahoma City bombing and the loved ones left behind on that horrible day 24 years ago. As we mourn the worst act of homegrown terrorism in our country’s history, we also reflect on a term coined on April 19, 1995: the Oklahoma Standard. In the face of tragedy, Oklahomans went out of their way to share what they had to help those in need.
The Oklahoma Standard has long echoed the goodwill and compassion of Oklahomans. In times of difficulty, the spirits of Oklahomans remain as resilient as ever. No matter our situation, we always ask one another: “How can I help?” In the last month alone, I’ve been inspired by the Oklahomans who have rushed to help provide fencing, feed, hay, and friendship to those in Nebraska who have been ravaged by flooding. I am confident that no matter the challenges that our state and country face, we will join together and lend one another a helping hand.
One of the greatest things about our country is that when unforeseen circumstances or events are thrown at us, Americans always unite to take care of each other. The Founders knew that the Bible’s Golden Rule would be the foundation to unite and bind our communities together. As we celebrate the resurrection of Christ and face the challenges of today, let us remember to follow in His steps by upholding the Oklahoma Standard.
