I have so many thoughts racing through my "tiny brain" today! I have started this post over and over. I am wanting to choose my words carefully, because the printed word seems to go so much further than a spoken one.
After the happenings of yesterday, and upon hearing the news of one of America's enemies being killed, I have heard and read many reactions. Some reacted with...
"GREAT! I'm glad he's dead!" Someone else said...
"I know I should be happy, but when I think about the consequences of sin I can't help but feel sorry for the man." Some have said things like...
"It sure isn't the present administration that has brought this great victory to America. They shouldn't get the credit!" Some have given accolades to President Obama, others to our former President, George W. Bush.
Through all of the "voices" I am hearing, I stopped and listened to my own "thoughts" and questioned myself a little. And I must say, I have been looking for a "balance" in all of it. I think so many times we get on a "band wagon of emotions" and say things that really don't add up.
September 11, 2001...the "day the world changed", was a terrible day for America! We had been attacked by an enemy we had only heard about, but had now become reality. We were stunned by the happenings of that day. Then, last night, ten years later we learned of a "great victory for America" and the "punishment" of the one who was the master mind of the horrible attack on our people on September 11. I want to say that the "victory" we heard about last night, didn't "just happen" last night. It has been happening over the past ten years! It started the day our former President, George W. Bush spoke to our nation on the day of the attack. As he learned of the attack on the World Trade Center Towers, one of the things he said was:
“Terrorism against our nation will not stand.”
- George W. Bush – Remarks at Emma Booker Elementary School. Sarasota, Florida – delivered 11 September 2001, 9:30 A.M. EDT
A couple days later President Bush said:
“Time is passing. Yet, for the United States of America, there will be no forgetting September the 11th. We will remember every rescuer who died in honor. We will remember every family that lives in grief. We will remember the fire and ash, the last phone calls, the funerals of the children. “
- President George W. Bush, November 11, 2001
President Bush did an outstanding job leading our nation during this crisis. I cannot imagine the pressure he was under as he was thrown into this horrible happening, yet in the midst of it all he kept America SAFE! I'm thankful for his leadership during this time. I wish I could meet him someday and tell him how much I appreciate all he did! President Bush has moved on in life, and will never be forgotten. Now, we should pray for President Obama and those he has working beside him that God will lead them to make the right decisions for the future of our country.
With all of that said, let me go on. Most great victories do not "just happen" because of ONE person. Great victories happen when a group of people makes a concerted effort to do "what it takes" to produce that VICTORY! ONE MAN or ONE WOMAN can make a GREAT IMPACT on our lives, and that of a nation, but the total victory does not come to pass just because of that ONE person. Great victories happen when EVERYONE puts their mind and strength into whatever needs to be done, no matter how long it takes, then at some point in time all efforts culminate into one GREAT VICTORY!
A nation, a church, an organization does not just happen because ONE person decides it's going to happen. Great things happen within these "structures" because someone lays a foundation, then others come along and build on it. I will say again...A GREAT VICTORY is WON because MANY PEOPLE have done their part to see it happen.
The churches we have been privileged to pastor through the years were filled with great people. These people loved God, and they were faithful in the good times, and the bad. They gave of their time, talents, and treasure to see the kingdom of God go forward. These churches had different pastors throughout their history and we were happy to be part of building on the foundations of those who had labored before us. Now, there are other men who pastor these churches, and they are doing their part to see that the church goes forward in victory and growth. As time goes on, someone else will become the pastor of these churches, and saints who are strong pillars now will step aside to let a younger generation take the leadership. The church will continue marching forward in revival and growth as these great men and women of God continue laboring in the Kingdom.
I guess what I am saying in all of these words I've written is: If we are not careful, we can get caught up in things we "like or don't like" about our President or leaders in the church, and never stop to think that we might be "swayed" by the thoughts and words of those around us. It is hard to be "balanced" in an unstable environment. We, as Christians should try our best to be a balance to those around us. We should strive to stay "calm, cool, and collected" whenever things are not going the way "we think it ought to go". We should be positive in a negative world. I don't want to be the reason for anyone being "tossed to and fro" in their emotions when they need an anchor. I want to do my part to give honor to those who have fought for the freedom of America. I also want to give honor to those who labored before us in the work of God. I want to make sure I give credit to those who have lead us into great victories. And, I want to give honor to those who have worked beside their leaders helping them to see their VISION of VICTORY come to pass.
As we labor together in the Kingdom of God, in a FREE NATION UNDER GOD, please join me in saying...
GOD BLESS our leaders, past and present!
GOD BLESS the men and women who have fought for our freedom!
And...GOD BLESS AMERICA!
I have many emotions today as I think of all the men and women who have served, and are presently serving our country! Yesterday morning, as we were preparing for church, I received a group text from our oldest granddaughter, Savanna. "Happy Sunday to you!!!" It made me happy to hear from her. I responded, then Alayna, our second granddaughter wrote, "Happy Sunday to you!!! I love y'all and I'm going to pray for papa and you mimi. Tell papa I love him." My heart melted, and as I read these sweet words to Papa we both felt the tears! I answered her and told her how deeply we were touched, then, Savanna wrote, "Love you too Layna!!! I am also praying for y'all...I can't wait for thanksgiving!!!"
