Yesterday was Memorial Day. It is, as you know, a day we set aside as a nation to commemorate those who have given their lives to insure that the United States remains free. It is a day of remembrance and recognition of the high cost of freedom.
Some years ago I heard a Preacher say that freedom was a "bloody" purchase. I suppose I hadn't really thought of it those terms before. But, I believe he was right. Freedom for the US began in the hearts and minds of those who met in Philadelphia. The purchase was paid for by men who went to the battlefield and died. Over and over again the cost of freedom has been the life's blood of those willing to give their lives. Our nation has been involved in many wars and conflicts literally all over the world. Each time men and women died. The cost has never been cheap.
Yesterday, I listened to the names of the of our Servicemen and Women who died this last year in the service of our country as they were read. I was struck by the ages of the deceased. Most of them were under 25 years of age. They were sons and daughters, nieces and nephews, brothers and sisters, and friends and family of the United States of America. They were our sons and daughters, and they gave their blood for freedom.
To everyone of them a debt of thanks is owed that we can never fully repay. To each of their families we mourn with you at your loss. But know this, whether in Afghanistan, Iraq, or anywhere else our they were sent, their sacrifice did not go unnoticed. I for one thank you, because I am free.
Tuesday, May 26, 2009
Monday, May 18, 2009
Abortion and the Pres...
This last weekend President Obama went to Notre Dame to address the graduates and receive and honorary Doctorate. The occasion, which for the graduates should have been a time of celebration and the prospect of new adventure, turned into a huge media circus. The President spoke for a little over thirty minutes, telling humorous anecdotes and addressing the very serious issue of abortion suggesting that those on both sides of the issue have common ground on which to stand.
I have never minced words about abortion. I am unapologetically "pro-life." The term "anti-abortion" is often used by people who hold that abortion is a right and privilege, purposely used because of its negative connotation. They too like to use the nomenclature "pro-choice" over "pro-abortion," which is totally understandable in the want to put a more "positive spin" on what many consider reprehensible. I am very definitely pro-life and abortion is murder in my estimation and understanding of scriptural teaching. Life begins at conception. But I didn't intend to ramble on about my beliefs.
Here's what I would like to ask, is there really common ground on which to stand between those of us who are "pro-life" and those who are "pro-choice?"
I have never minced words about abortion. I am unapologetically "pro-life." The term "anti-abortion" is often used by people who hold that abortion is a right and privilege, purposely used because of its negative connotation. They too like to use the nomenclature "pro-choice" over "pro-abortion," which is totally understandable in the want to put a more "positive spin" on what many consider reprehensible. I am very definitely pro-life and abortion is murder in my estimation and understanding of scriptural teaching. Life begins at conception. But I didn't intend to ramble on about my beliefs.
Here's what I would like to ask, is there really common ground on which to stand between those of us who are "pro-life" and those who are "pro-choice?"
Monday, May 4, 2009
Cinco de Mayo
The fifth of May is the Mexican equivalent of our "Fourth of July." It is the day Mexico celebrates its independence and freedom. It, like our Fourth, is a big day of celebrations and parties. Families gather to share in meals and a time of festivities.
In light of their celebration of freedom and our "Fourth" coming soon, I was wondering how do you define freedom? What does freedom mean to you and is there a guarantee of that insures you enjoy that freedom?
This particular blog question, though not intentionally political, may give the appearance of being just that.
For me real freedom is not found in a flag, or a constitution, though I genuinely love my country and am grateful for the liberties it offers. Real freedom for me is found in my relationship with Jesus. It is a freedom that may is somewhat undefinable. Because of Jesus I am not bound to this world. I live in it, but it doesn't hold me. Its struggles are temporal. This will sound somewhat "pie in the skyish," my real home is heaven. I know that, God has provided me a freedom that goes beyond anything political or legal. The guarantee of that freedom is not based in what I do, but rather is guaranteed by the promises God has made. I define freedom as a relationship with Jesus.
So, how do define freedom?
Steve
In light of their celebration of freedom and our "Fourth" coming soon, I was wondering how do you define freedom? What does freedom mean to you and is there a guarantee of that insures you enjoy that freedom?
This particular blog question, though not intentionally political, may give the appearance of being just that.
For me real freedom is not found in a flag, or a constitution, though I genuinely love my country and am grateful for the liberties it offers. Real freedom for me is found in my relationship with Jesus. It is a freedom that may is somewhat undefinable. Because of Jesus I am not bound to this world. I live in it, but it doesn't hold me. Its struggles are temporal. This will sound somewhat "pie in the skyish," my real home is heaven. I know that, God has provided me a freedom that goes beyond anything political or legal. The guarantee of that freedom is not based in what I do, but rather is guaranteed by the promises God has made. I define freedom as a relationship with Jesus.
So, how do define freedom?
Steve
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