It would be wrong of me to say nothing about the heroes who gave everything for a country as remarkable as this. Without their sacrifice, we would not have the safety and stability that allows this nation to function and flourish. Something as seemingly simple as laying roads so that commerce and transportation can thrive is possible because someone, somewhere, paid the ultimate price to make it so. I know the fallen are singular in their ability to claim Timothy’s words both spiritually and literally.
“I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.”
-2 Timothy 4:7
I am not unique in enjoying the opportunities this country has bestowed upon me. It is humbling and evokes a deep sense of gratitude. I am fortunate, in a strange way, to have been born in a country that undermines women. It opened my eyes to the Christian values that govern this country and allow me to be treated as “Ezer,” a woman fully seen and valued. A child of God.
“So God created man in His own image; in the image of God He created him; male and female He created them.”
-Genesis 1:27
As an American not born in America, I feel a deep need to say this plainly: when we are not grateful for what God has allowed this country to do and to be, we are behaving like spoiled children. The strength of this nation comes from Christian values and from young men and women willing to step up and be sheepdogs, guarding their country because they love it, not because they love war. Every lost life has purchased our right to sit on our comfortable couches, drink beer, and criticize this country and its policies on the very holiday that exists because someone’s life was ripped asunder. We do this simply because reality does not match our theoretical concept of peace. We need to show more respect. We need to understand that we are not capable of seeing the big picture. And if we truly want to make a difference, we should roll up our sleeves like the stalwarts who died for our freedom.
God has blessed me with being part of a military family, so I say this with passion. The men in my family want to serve this great country to keep it great. They are not seeking war but will not shy away from it either, for they are sheepdogs with a burning passion to pass on the values instilled in them. And those I know who are not military families are prayer warriors, standing firm in the knowledge that our mandate is to fight evil when called upon.
“A time to love,
-Ecclesiastes 3:8
And a time to hate;
A time of war,
And a time of peace.”
Warrior or not, if you are a Christian, the mandate is to pray. So let us pray and be thankful for the sacrifices of our great men and women in uniform.
“Continue earnestly in prayer, being vigilant in it with thanksgiving;”
God bless America and God bless the men and women who contributed to the greatness of this nation.
Dear God,
Please grant me a heart overflowing with gratitude for the freedom to worship and the privilege of being alive in a country that loves You. May my actions, words, and deeds praise You for Your loving kindness toward Your children. I pray in Jesus’ name. Amen.