At the beginning of a new year there is a lot of talk about making resolutions and perhaps “turning over a new leaf.”

After the unprecedented events this past week in our nation’s capital, which anyone with common decency condemns, there has never been a time in our history, other than immediately after the Civil War, when Americans need to think about making a new beginning.

The Civil War and its aftermath is the subject and setting of my new book, soon to be released titled “Turning Point at Gettysburg,” based on a true story.

As you know, this Where did that come from?

Stanley J. St. Clair

expression has to do with beginning anew, making a fresh start. It comes from turning over a new page, formerly known as leaves, in “the book of life.” Though it was obviously in use before this, the earliest known citation is from Saducismus Triumphatus:

Or, “Full and Plain Evidence Concerning Witches and Apparitions” by Joseph Glanvil, 1581, page 223: “ ... I am now come to tell you, That there is a God and a very just and terrible one, and if you do not turn over a new leaf (the very expression as is by the Doctor punctually remembered) you will find it so (the Captain proceeded) ... ”

New starts have to begin with a true desire to do something differently. Even then, it is almost impossible to do it without help and inspiration. Our greatest source for help in is our faith in the higher power. Without genuine faith we are usually fooling ourselves.

If you would like to know the origin of a favorite expression, text the author at 931-212-3303 or email him at stan@stclair.net.