May 28, 2012

Memorial Day 2012


Yesterday I was blessed by the sermon of a local Pastor who shared his thoughts and heart as it were this past week.  He turned 70.  Quite a ways from 70, yet I understood the reflective moments that birthdays sometimes bring; as I pulled out of the church parking lot I became reflective myself.

Pastor brought up a lot of things but one that was the main reflection for me, most likely because of the Memorial Day holiday, this one stuck with me.  Remember your heroes.

My mind drifted to my upbringing, my Mom.  Now I come from a big family and where as we do not agree on a lot of things, I think there are two we can agree on; we were raised to be proud of America being American.  And we were raised to believe in God.

This is not a political post, this is heart.  My heart; yours may differ.

I have several people in my life that I would place in to the category of hero.  Yet for now I reflect on the heroes I’ve never met, those that over the past centuries fought for our freedom; those that today are miles from their families continuing to protect that freedom; the men and women of the United States military.  And One that I’m am so thankful to have met, Jesus Christ. 

Because of those who have served, are serving or will serve in the US Military, each morning I wake and do not really think of my safety, it’s just there, I take it for granted, because of them I can sit out on the balcony read the Word of God out loud and the only thing I get is an occasional funny look from a passerby, because of them I can sit here and write my heart and then send it off to anywhere and everywhere with no serious repercussions.  I am a woman that does not have to hide my face behind a veil.  I can speak my mind, I can vote my opinion, I can be anything I set my mind to be, I have immense opportunities, I’ve enjoyed many experiences and I am free.

 “Freedom isn’t Free”.  Over time 100’s of millions, both military and civilians have died in war. I am indeed a Christian woman, my freedom wasn’t free.  One died that I may live, an abundant life,  God sent his only Son, Jesus Christ; “and this is why: so that no one need be destroyed; by believing in him, anyone can have a whole and lasting life. God didn't go to all the trouble of sending his Son merely to point an accusing finger, telling the world how bad it was. He came to help, to put the world right again”.

We all have the right to state our opinion about our government and I do from time to time, I’ve come to realize though that a better plan is 2 Chronicles 7:14 “if my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and I will forgive their sin and will heal their land.”

Pray for America, for our military and government, seek God and let him heal our land.
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