Day 185 - Let Freedom Ring

 

"He's one of the underground's slyest agents - the agent of

familiarity. His commission from the black throne room is clear

and fatal: 'Take nothing from your victim; cause him only to take

everything for granted.' ...Hence, books will go unread, games

 will go unplayed, hearts will go unnurtured, and opportunities 

will go ignored. All because the poison of the ordinary has 

deadened your senses to the magic of the moment."

God Came Near

Max Lucado

Today is the 4th of July, a day to remember the birth of our nation and liberty for all. It should also be a time to think about the price that has been paid for said freedom, yet many merely recognize it as a day for picnics and fireworks, cookouts and bonfires, never giving a thought to the song "bombs bursting in air." It's become a cliche almost.

I'm from the baby boomer generation, Vietnam, a war where Americans did not thank returning soldiers for their service to America. Countless wars have been fought on foreign soil and continue to this day for freedom, and it will continue until the end of time. Today I watched Rambo, the last installment, where he returns to a Burmese jungle to save the lives of missionaries who had tried to help the people of Burma who were being brutally and savagely annihilated by their own people. This is a horrific thought to me, and yet history repeats itself.

The Civil War was a battle fought brother against brother, a battle that never would have been waged had man been respectful of all people. Why can't we just get along?! I will never understand how satan has twisted the hearts and minds of people who claim to have Jesus as their Savior. Each day we send men and women off to war against the evil raging across the world, a war that has trespassed against this nation, a "holy" war. All the while we continue to wage our own "holy wars" against brothers and sisters who look to the church for answers, acceptance love, but who are turned away judged and rejected. No unconditional love given here!

Love is the only true weapon against the evil wickedness in high places. Jesus gave His life for us so we could have eternal life, because God loves us that much.  It staggers my imagination. I am humbled and so thankful for this gift of life and love. Rather than fight each other with protects and rallies, consider bending a knee and laying it all at the feet of the Only One who can make the difference in our lives. Start being His hands and feet...love covers a multitude of sins. None of us are immune to that sickness. We each sin daily. Let's give each other a chance, shall we? 

Hum on this old favorite song...or better yet...walk it out:

"Put your hand in the hand of the man who stilled the water
Put your hand in the hand of the man who calmed the sea
Take a look at yourself and you can look at others differently
By puttin' your hand in the hand of the man from-a Gallilee."