On this Election Day and as Veterans’ Day approaches next week, my heart overflows with gratitude. We are blessed to be born in a country where we can elect our leaders. So many countries don’t grant their citizens such a privilege.
I thank God for those who fight and fought for our freedom. Freedom is not free.
Just five months ago, June 6th, was the 70th anniversary of World War II’s D-Day, the world-changing storming of Normandy on June 6th, 1944. If you are like me, I couldn’t stop watching the television interviews of those World War II veterans as they tearfully recalled the moments of that day in Normandy, a day that will live in infamy. For so many of them, they confessed that the television interview was the first time they had talked about their 70-year-old experience. A few of their wives said their husbands had never even shared with them the events of that day–D-Day. The poignant, tragic memories had been bottled up inside them all these years.
Tears streamed down my face as I watched 88-to-90-year-old men sob like babies recalling what they had endured as they left those boats, waded through the bloody waters and onto the shores of Normandy to fight the Germans. Their bravery, heroism, integrity live on. No wonder those men and women of the 1940s are appropriately referred to as “The Greatest Generation.” My uncle E. Jennings Gore, Jr. served humbly and thankfully as one of those World War II veterans.
We are blessed with valiant heroes today, fighting a different war 70 years later. Each time I see a serviceman or woman in uniform, no matter where I am, if I am able to make eye contact, I say, “Thank you so much for serving our country.” To me, our encouragement is the least we can do for their valiant service of defending our country. Freedom is not free.
An American flag waves proudly on the front of my house everyday, not just this season. We live in the greatest country in the world and are blessed with abundance and freedoms most countries envy.
How ever you may vote politically and how ever you may feel about war, we are all united as American citizens. Please vote today.
We serve and play on the same team–Team USA. Our country’s future is in your hands. One vote makes a difference–yours. Freedom is not free.
Please pray for our leaders, whether you vote for them or not.
“Pray this way for kings and all who are in authority so that we can live peaceful and quiet lives marked by godliness and dignity.” –1 Timothy 2:2 NLT
In eighth grade, our Social Studies teacher had us memorize a portion of the Declaration of Independence Preamble. It still is recalled easily, as it is seered on my heart:
“We hold these truths to be self-evident that all men are created equal. That they are endowed by their Creator with certain inalienable rights. That among these are life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.” Amen.
Happy Election Day. Freedom is not free.
Please take two minutes to watch the below two quick videos.
Reflect:
–Would you consider yourself to be patriotic? Please comment.
–Who are some American heroes in your life? How will you show your appreciation for them? Please comment.
Renew:
–” ‘…no weapon forged against you will prevail, and you will not refute every tongue that accuses you. This is the heritage of the servants of the Lord, and this is their vindication from me,’ declares the Lord.” –Isaiah 54:17 NIV 84
–“Theirs are the patriarchs, and from them is traced the human ancestry of Christ, who is God over all, forever praised! Amen.” –Romans 9:5 NIV84
–“Endure hardship with us like a good soldier of Christ Jesus. No one serving as a soldier gets involved in civilian affairs–he wants to please his commanding officer.” –2 Timothy 2:3-4 NIV84
Recharge:
–What do you or will you do this week to demonstrate your patriotism? Vote today.
–Please unfurl your American flag and wave it high. Let us show the world we are honored to be Americans.
Resource:
–Your Vote Counts!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bWrBLgXQrE4
–Enjoy the US Naval Academy singing “America the Beautiful.”
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_JKCom39yKQ
Danya Jordan