Today, Oklahomans join together in remembering the victims of the Oklahoma City bombing and the loved ones left behind on that horrible day 27 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, even prior to that fateful day. 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 rushed to aid and lend a helping hand in the aftermath of the tornado in Kingston. Though the tornado damaged just about every house in its wake, the spirit of the community could not be crushed. This is just one example of the thousands of acts of kindness Oklahomans show each other every single day. I am confident that no matter the challenges that our state and country face, we will come together and help our neighbors.
The Bible teaches in Matthew 25 to lend a hand to our neighbors as we would Christ: “For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in.” Jesus explains: “Whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.”
As we continue to face the challenges of today, let us remember to follow in His steps by upholding the Oklahoma Standard. Take some time this month to extend the Oklahoma Standard to someone that might need a little extra help in your community. 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.