Patriotism

Veterans Day 2023

DrJayCook Patriotism, Veterans Day , , , , ,

World War 1 ended on November 11, 1918.  They thought it was going to be the war to end all wars.  On the anniversary of that day, our nation remembered.  And that eventually turned into the national holiday known as Veterans Day.

Everyone seems to know that Memorial Day is for remembering those who died in service to our country, and we should remember.  However, it seems like few really think about the sacrifices made and memories held by those who faced the harshness of war and live to tell about it.

But we should.

The Bible makes it clear that we should give honor to whom honor is due.  And those who put their lives on the line for us deserve honor.  They deserve our thanks.

We may not agree with certain military actions that politicians have put into motion.  But our men and women who serve in the armed forces do not make those decisions.  They decided to protect us.  They decided to put their lives on the line for us.  They decided to take a road that many of us have not walked.

I still remember (as a child) standing on the square in Oxford when the veterans of World War 1 marched by.  My great-grandfather was one of them.  Each year that number dwindled until there were no more.  They (and other veterans) faced atrocities that we cannot imagine.  They saw the worst side of humanity.  They saw what happens when Jesus is not the center.

Today, we seldom hear the unvarnished accounts of our soldiers.  One political side or the other tends to slant things to benefit themselves rather than just give the facts.  Perhaps that is why the “honor” often seems missing amongst us.  Perhaps that is why many people will not even think about what November 11 is.

I am grateful to live in a country where opportunities abound.  I am grateful to live in a country where we enjoy freedoms that so many others do not experience.  I am grateful that many of our citizens are willing to do whatever it takes to ensure those freedoms.

Our veterans deserve our thanks.  They deserve our honor.  They deserve to be remembered on November 11.

I urge you to remember – to thank – to give honor.  And be sure to thank God for those willing to stand for us.

Independence Day Celebrated

DrJayCook Uncategorized ,
Statue of Liberty

Another Independence Day has come and gone (just barely). How did you celebrate? What did you do? What went through your mind?

Fireworks, grills at full blast, red-white-&-blue decorations displayed – we know how to throw a party. But is that all there is?

As a child, I enjoyed the 4th of July parades that honored our veterans (my great-grandfather served during World War I). There was a sense of joy and gratitude for who we are and what we’ve accomplished as a nation. Unfortunately, that “spirit” has lessened in recent years.

Are there problems in our land? Yes. Are there divisions within the ranks? Yes. Are there disappointments and fears? Yes. Is there anything to truly celebrate? Yes!

We may not be perfect, but we can be grateful that our flawed founders knew that God must be the basis of our nation. We ARE “created equal” – even though many people have forgotten that. We HAVE been “endowed by their Creator” – even though many people have forgotten that. We CAN enjoy “life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness” – even though many people have forgotten that.

Freedom has become an idea seldom acknowledged. Many of our countrymen gave their “last full measure” to ensure the freedom we enjoy, but that freedom should never be used to excuse bad behavior and evil choices. We have an obligation to live as good citizens, and those of us who have accepted Jesus as Lord and Savior must remember that we have received even greater freedom that requires responsibility – Galatians 5:1 reminds us, “For freedom, Christ set us free. Stand firm, then, and don’t submit again to a yoke of slavery.”

Perhaps we should remember that we are just “passing through.” We spend a few decades here, but eternity awaits us all. For Christians, we must remember that we have been given citizenship in God’s eternal Kingdom (Philippians 3:20 – “Our citizenship is in heaven, and we eagerly wait for a Savior from there, the Lord Jesus Christ.”). Recognizing that truth puts life in perspective.

The official day may have passed, but let’s pretend it is still in effect. Be grateful to be here; it isn’t perfect, but it is vastly greater than what the majority of our world endures. Do what you can to make things better (by the way, griping does not make things better). Help others however you can. Pray for our leaders and one another. Live for God, and we WILL see God bless America.