Good Old Abe? (“IF You Know?”)
Good Old Abe? (IF You Know?”)
“For there is nothing covered, that shall not be revealed; neither hid, that shall not be known.”
Luke 12:2
No, I don’t mention Abraham Lincoln in my book, “IF You Know?”
But his presence is there, very much of a contributing “question mark,” as I have tried to discover the truth of my backstory, and that of my family.
I question both sides, but, concerning “the 16th President,” I focus on my mother’s side.
Supposedly, I am related to Abraham Lincoln, a “sixth cousin, twice removed.”
Whatever that means.
When I was a kid, there was some excitement in my small rural town, and in my small rural town elementary school.
Bruce Hanks visited our classroom. He was a well-known Lincoln impersonator, who spoke to schools and organizations about “the life of Lincoln.”
And further selling it?
He was also related to Abraham Lincoln (The “Hanks” side of the family).
(Also a bit of fun trivia? The actor, Tom Hanks, is ALSO supposedly related to this “Hanks” side of the family).
Anyway, when my mother got wind of Bruce Hanks’ visit, she sent me to school with the supposed family ancestry, mapping out how Abe and I were “cousins.”
I showed my teacher first, and then, she let Mr. Hanks know about my genealogy.
Long story short, I was called up to the front of the classroom, to speak with him about my family findings. The local paper was there, covering his visit. And so, photos were snapped. These two, right here…
At one point, as I showed Mr. Hanks my family tree, he remarked that I was more closely related to Abraham Lincoln than he was.
I don’t know about that for sure.
But, in keeping with “the discovery” that day, he playfully bestowed upon me the stove pipe hat that he wore, as part of how costume.
And it sank over much of my face, as you can see in the picture.
The local paper quipped, “it didn’t quite fit…”
Nope.
Bruce Hanks was a Sequoia of a man, height-wise. He had to have been at least, oh, six foot, five?
Anyway, years later, as I have learned to ask more questions about so much of the mystery of my family origins, Abraham Lincoln is still a part of my life, and my questions marks.
There is some kind of presence, or, at least, a question of a presence, TO Him.
Curious questions surround him. And not just from me.
Check this article out…
See it as blasphemy? Hogwash?
Speculation?
Or IS there something THERE?
Is there more to it than what we have been taught?
“It is the glory of The Most High to conceal a thing: but the honor of kings is to search out a matter.”
Proverbs 25:2
Just curiously asking, as it has been more than 2 or 3 witnesses for me…
“…In the mouth of two or three witnesses shall every word be established.”
2 Corinthians 13:1
(Prayer Excerpt from “IF You Know?”)
ABBA FATHER-
I come to You, in The Name of Your Son, Our Savior, Yahshua.
I stand in the gap with anyone reading these words, that You would be in complete command of them, and what they mean for my brother and sister.
You know what You have called Your Word to accomplish (Isaiah 55:11).
You know that we are finite beings, and have failed You: in heart, in motives, in understanding, in struggles, in identity, in wisdom, in ability.
Forgive us for not seeking You, seeking to know Who You are.
Help Us, ABBA, to see, to seek, and to Know You, “in Spirit and in Truth.” (John 4:24).
Let there be no discord, division, confusion, or harm, brought by the questions, concepts, and the scriptures we explore (we are to search daily Your scriptures, according to Acts 17:11).
Establish only Your True Identity, Clarity, Confirmation, Revelation, Love, Peace, Joy, Forgiveness, and Freedom.
We endeavor to know more about ourselves and our mysteries.
But we yearn to know Who YOU are to each of us.
Establish that now.
Purify, lead, guide, heal, help, protect, save, and empower us in this discovery process.
Only help us to draw us closer to You.
Draw closer to each of us, with each unanswered question in our hearts and spirits.
May this process we engage in truly glorify You.
We thank You for all You are doing.
We declare it finished and sealed.
In the Name of Your Son, Yahshua,
Amen.
“Teach me thy way… I will walk in Thy Truth: unite my heart to fear Thy Name.”
Psalm 86:11
Copyright © 2026 by Sheryle Cruse
