Yesterday was Memorial Day, and I have just a few thoughts. Now, first and foremost do know how much I appreciate everyone who has served this country and greatly honor those who gave their lives for it. Ok, now for my thoughts;)...
1. I think every church I've been in seems to celebrate or somehow recognize patriotic holidays during the corresponding Sunday church service. Whether it's Fourth of July, Veteran's Day, or Memorial Day, suddenly churches whip out the American flags and patriotic music and give rousing messages of freedom. Now, maybe this is all fine and dandy or maybe it doesn't even matter at all... I don't know. But I do know this: I don't like it, and I don't get it. I just always feel like instead of worshipping God I'm being called to worship America. And instead of putting all else aside so I can focus on Him, I've got a big American flag in the way. I mean, I know our country is great and I'm thankful for it, but sheesh I also often wonder how ticked off God is at it. I mean really, it's in many ways a very sleazy country. Does it earn a Sunday service praising it, or should we use the holiday Sundays on our knees in prayer for it? Again, I don't totally know the black and white of this, and maybe I'm way off. But maybe I'm not.
2. I find comments like "I'm so thankful to the men and women who served and the freedom they gave us" interesting... no wait, offensive. Yes, I appreciate them immensely. But who gave us our freedom? Them?? Nope. God did. And we MUST remember to thank HIM for the freedom HE gave us through their service.
3. Lastly, I think it's important to remember that Memorial Day is to honor all who gave their lives. That doesn't mean those who won. We must remember that many lives were lost for battles lost. I think it also doesn't hurt to try to remember those all across the world who lost their lives in like manner. Sure, I know "technically" we don't have to because they're not one of us and by-golly it's a God-bless-AMERICAN holiday. But really, isn't it appropriate to give some credit and honor to anyone and everyone who have given their lives in war for what they believe was right? Isn't it heroic to head out into battle and risk it all for your country, even if it's a different country than ours?
So thanks and applause to ALL who have served, sacrificed, and died in war. And God bless... and have mercy on... America.
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I am so glad u posted this because I feel the same way but I just couldn't put it into words! I saw a bumper sticker the other day that said "there are two forces in this world that have sacrificed themselves for you Jesus died for your soul and the American soldiers died for your freedom." this may be true but putting them on the same level as Christ to me was offensive. Thanks for sharing!
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