Today I am remembering.
I am remembering that because of our armed forces my grandparents met at Camp Robinson during WW II when my grandmother was a dental hygienist and my grandfather’s unit came through.
That because of our armed forces my sister has been able to travel the world.
Her eyes have been opened, her world expanded, her understanding of the human condition enriched because of my brother-in-laws service in the military.
Because of our armed forces, my parents little town Arkadelphia was cared for and kept safe after a devastating tornado, the National Guard helping in so many ways.
And because of our armed forces we exist as a country still. A country were we are free to disagree.
I know it is not always popular to support our military, to fly an American flag, to say our pledge. I have friends who will not write a post like this today. That might even poo-poo the whole idea. But the truth is, if you live in America you probably have been helped or benefited in some way by all those who have served or are still serving our country.
I do not always support all the decisions our military leaders make.
Or our president.
Our my mayor.
Or my husband.
Or my best friend.
Or my pastor.
Or my children.
Living in community with other humans means that there will always be a difference of opinions, which is good. The freedom to debate and share ideas and to change our minds is one thing I love about our country. But I don’t love throwing the baby out with the bathwater, it’s too simplistic. Life is more complicated than that and so are these issues.
So today I am personally grateful for our armed force, for the way it has benefited my life and for all of those who have given their lives doing what was asked of them, in service of their country. My prayer is for their families, and for all of our hearts, that they may they be tender towards those who believe differently than us on this day.
thank you for your kind and thoughtful post- I lvoe our country too
Beautiful post. No truer words were ever spoken.
thank you…….
xo
Beautifully written. And that artwork is really lovely!
I love this. What a great point… thank you for remembering…and for reminding me to remember too!