Here you are today boldly promoting beliefs about which you are so certain that you declare them freely and publicly without compunction or regard for many to whom this may be an offense. I respect your right and even your courage to do so.

Now, seeing as you assert yourselves in the public square, allow me but a handful of minutes to address you in like manner.

That you share the space and atmosphere of this planet is due to no knowledge, ability or will of your own. The conditions of earth which welcomed your arrival into this life - the seasons, the atmosphere, the sun, rain, and wind, the abundant produce of the land - they nourished and sustained you though you never lifted a finger to produce them. From your birth to this day you have not lacked food, clothing, shelter and provision. Not one speck of it was created by your hand. In fact, without the direct care of many who gave you guidance, discipline and encouragement you could not have survived.

All of this you knew nothing about, you simply accepted what was given to you. You grew big and strong, you gained knowledge. Even your education was a gift. If you tried, you could not count the good things you have enjoyed. But if you determine that there is no God, and are certain that the hand of man has not produced these things, who would you thank - if you were inclined toward gratitude?

And so, with an elevated regard for your vast understanding and keen logic you claim entitlement to all these favors in life. Yet, not one among you who can guarantee his next breath - let alone, make a star.

Knowing nothing of how this solar system continues in perfect harmony, and being fully cognizant of the fragility and transience of the life you claim as yours, you stand here today and make your defiant assertion. Knowing nothing of how or why you are here, nor a whit of what will happen when you breathe your last, you rise in proud certitude to make the emphatic assertion: 'There is no God.'

I grant that you may have arrived at your convictions by a diligent and rational pursuit of the truth. But I appeal to you, play along with me for a bit.

Imagine that man's thinking, reasoning and processing faculties are highly capable tools for interacting with the physical world, but completely unable to detect and comprehend the elements of the unseen, transcendent world. Like, if you were to try to define and explain something with your ears that could only be perceived with your eyes. They are vital processes but have two separate functions. God communicates primarily with your heart or spirit.

So, I ask you please for a moment, let go of the your 'absolute', and try saying something like, 'God may not make sense to me, but seeing as I don't know all things, I cannot say for certain that He doesn't exist.'

Our minds accept or reject rational evidence according to what our hearts have chosen to believe.

Natural men - scholars of the seen realm - are simply ill-equipped to explain the kingdom not made with hands, and so deduce that, 'if we cannot see it or comprehend it, it must not be.’

On a personal note, I believe that the Creator knew you from before you were born. I believe if He were here inside my skin and speaking to you through my mouth, He would say to you that you are made in His image, that you are infinitely significant, and you are a treasure to die for.

I believe He would not condemn you for your suspicion, doubt and perhaps hatred toward Him. He has been present with you all through your life. He's felt your laughter and your tears. God would tell you, 'I have loved you with an everlasting love. I am here to tell you that the condition of your heart is my highest priority. I know every secret and fear that you harbor. I know of your broken dreams, and the heartbreaks you've encountered. I know the discouragement and torment that pounds inside your head.'

'I’m here to tell you, there is no sin you've committed that I will not forgive. No prison surrounding you that I will not break open. Much of what you've seen or heard of Me has misrepresented Me. Give Me half a chance and I will open the floodgates of My love into your heart. I will drive out your fears and fill you with true joy.'

'Ask Me, and I will wash away your sins and your grief. I’ll give you beauty for ashes, the oil of joy for mourning, the garment of praise for the spirit of despair. I will make you an oak of righteousness. And no one will be able to pluck you out of my hand.'

'Come, now. Turn from your list of offenses and resentments. Your mind may resist, but I appeal to your heart. Your heart alone, is able to receive and know Me. It's where I will live, and never leave you.'