The Lost Art of Patriotism

Why We Need to Consider What We are Not Teaching..

Last Sunday, I stood with Linda a scout grandma, and BSA 201 troop secretary as we watched our troop place 300 flags at the cemetery. We were both in awe as the boys, most 11 and 12 place them at graves of soldiers. These boys were reverent, and trying hard to be like the "big boys" in the troop. I suddenly realised that I had never really spoken to my own son about flag care, and the way Americans value Old Glory.. I knew this when I saw my son set his flags aside to place one in a marker that was a bit off center. He was trying to set it straight and needed both hands. While I am a believer in being a world wide citizen, I also believe in being respectful of soldiers that give their lives for freedom in the USA. I have my freedom because of them, the gift they have given me has enabled me to establish an education, and a home. I know that patriotism is a double edged sword. If it is used to oppress people, or harm the rights we so firmly believe in, then I won't support it. Adolph Hitler used that kind of "Blind Patriotism" to nearly extinguish a nation of innocent people. Patriotism that welcomes home soldiers who fight for others safety, independence and freedom, I welcome..... Patriotism that asks us to believe in the "American Dream".. having choices in education, home ownership, and capitalism, freedom of religion (not just Christianity).. that I believe in... I realize that many of our kids have NO IDEA what this means... or why it even matters...

When I was young, it seemed that an American solider was given much more respect. People would shake hands with them, give a seat up, or smile with gratitude. Parades had a slew of soldiers from many eras. Flags flew at almost every business. Now it is viewed as fanatical to have too many stars and stripes  decorations. Sharing  too much about the war is a hush-hush thing for the men and women who come home. Many soldiers are treated as second class citizens after they come home (see my PT SD blog from April, and soldier testimonies there in).The care that our military receives after war is often poor, unregulated and many soldiers have a hard time getting jobs. Giving honor to our military should not take death, or a disfiguring wound (mental or physical) for them to have the honor they deserve. The service they give should be recognized, simply because they have done for us by serving.  When the chips are all laid out we all talk about this kind of stuff, but no one really does anything about it. I personally have no massive solution, but I am putting this out there to try to invoke attention to some one who might be able to fix this. For my own family I am trying to at least let my kids know why soldiers are important, and what it means to be an American, and a citizen in the world. I have friends in many nations who crave the freedom we have here.  I can't mail gifts to friends in some nations becasue thier mail gets opened, and they get taxed to receive it. Others I cannot visit because being a woman puts me in immediate danger. I have the right to dress and speak as I please. I can be openly critical of the the goverment if they anger me. I can elect officials if I so choose. This is not so for many of my counter parts in the world wide community....

 In coming to care about life, we need to look at the way we value freedom. We also need to think about what we are teaching our kids about respect and value for American soldiers, and America. It is easy to preach our beliefs about freedom, but we also have to teach our kids about the cost of how we obtained it. They need to know that the respect we give to others who serve us should be shown with gratitude, and reverence. Patriotism should never be blind or without meaning, it should be given out of knowledge of what someone has done for us. It should not be reserved for a particular branch of the armed forces. I know people from all faiths, races, and branches, that serve America in uniform. They have all sacrificed equally. With equal regard we should give them our thanks..







Phillip's Wisdom, Why You are Making a Diffrence

"The Office of Angel"

Today in a country funeral home, I heard a declaration that astounded me. My friend Phillip, who was delivering a message of strength, at his mother's funeral, spoke of her calling to the office of angel. While he was speaking in celestial terms, I realised that there was tremendous earthly power of the statement he made.

We live in a world that tends to be centered on comparisons. Neighbor Joe has a bigger truck, I have a bigger fence. Neighbor Jill bakes cookies for the bake sale, I'll bake a 3 tiered chocolate dream cake complete with mousse and chocolate shavings. I have to, so my cake will make more money. More is important! Right? Actually our comparisons tear away at our generoisty. It reminds us of what we want to do, rather than what we can do.

My best friend and I today were discussing Angelic generosity, after Phillip's message. The power to give when there is need as response to God's love that we were given first. All too often we obsess about how much to give. rather than use the idea that giving with gladness is what matters. I suddenly realised that we are all called to the office of Angel. The office of caring for one another though money, time and talent. The office of Angel gives time that is not restrained, fills needs that are life giving, and that builds the kingdom.

In this sense of giving money I am trying to convey, is not in tithing of percentages. I am not talking about faith promises or duties we do.While those things are essential, I am talking about those moments where there is a need and we fill it.  In my own life I have been one to put in a lot of time working for the Lord. Money has been scarce, often. People have given me and my family blessings beyond words. I have often clung to the hem of Jesus' robe to feed my family, pay my bills, and keep a home. God has given all of that plus more... someone has paid my way to travel for the church, attend camps, buy food. The list is very long.. It should be known that someone who gives $5.00 out of love, has shared equally, as someone who writes a check for $1,000,000.00. The numbers do not make something more or less Angelic, but rather the heart of the one who gives..

 The time and the money parts have equal value. My church has helped my family put in a roof, and cover serious emergencies. As time has gone by, we have been able to somewhat stabilize and give regularly, but also give spontaneously back to others along with regular giving. It is a wonderful feeling, but I still depend on the generosity of others for much.. It is an "ebb and flow"...

For the sense of  time, I speak about time that is freely given. This time doesn't always mean we are working on something significant, or even physically moving. It is time often spent listening. I have a friend Sandy, that calls me from my congregation. She calls and goes over carefully what things I share with her as concerns. She also asks about our joys. She genuinely cares. I admit I and very selfish with my time at times. I have to get things done, and I have not learned to give an "intentional listening ear" at times as I am fairly bursting with energy. But then again, it can be time spent being a doer. It can be time spent cooking, cleaning, an aiding those in need. It is a different thing for each who desires to offer what they can.. My friend I spoke of earlier, and his wife have been Angelic ministers many times over. It gives them joy to help as often as they can. They also roll up thier sleeves and get busy when the need is present. These blessings are equal in worth.

Everyone has the power to serve in Angelic ministry. It is the power that we are granted as servants, because we believe in Jesus Christ. It is the power of the Holy Spirit our Comforter that guides us in this giving. That power though, doesn't know selfish comparisons. I doesn't know giving out of guilt or self gain. That power only knows blessing. So as we come to care about our giving. As we come to care about our time, I pray that you answer the call to the office of Angel..  that you might discover the power of blessings gladly shared.



Soldier Stories We Can't Ignore..PTSD and Other Issues

Who They Are….

Although I am an agent of peace, I am a realist. Peace comes from the acceptance of others, and the willingness to live in harmony with one another. We know that right now we are along ways away from Peace on a worldwide level. As long as mankind must have power, wealth and glory for himself, we are in desperate need of soldiers. They are men and women who are willing to put their lives on the line, to make our land safe. At times they must go to other lands to protect us, and those who live in those nations. Soldiers are not simple minded war machines trained to kill. They are people who desire to protect their country. They are neighbors, friends, and family who have dedicated themselves to the service of the nation. They are also some of the most neglected people in the nation, when we speak of post war services.

Testimony of Injustice….

Today I sat in a room listening to two veteran soldiers, from different positions in the military. They told about where they served, what they saw, and the horrible way they were treated by our government when they came home. Both of them shared that they had a terrible time with funding promised to them for college. They also shared that many younger vets give up trying to pursue benefits, because a simple request for promised help can take years to fulfill. Paper work gets “lost” that is needed for benefits. Some of these benefits require that the solider must have an original sign up paper to receive promised benefits. Yet when that paper, which is entrusted to the military paper work office is gone, the result is “ too bad for you”.. EXCUSE ME??????? I wonder if it would have been “too bad” for us, if these men and women had no dedication to their homeland, and we were invaded and just had to take it…

The Heart Shaker…

One element of this discussion though, called me in my mind straight to my knees in prayer and sadness. It called me to write this as soon as I got home, that is the neglect of soldiers with PTSD, or post-traumatic stress disorder.  Post-traumatic stress disorder is an effect that takes place after major human trauma. This is either to the mind, body, or human environment. There are many symptoms, and they are manifested in different ways, depending on the person affected by it. Both of these men shared that symptoms began with in a few weeks of returning home.

When the simple joy of being home wears off………..

 They were so focused on getting back to family and friends that they could not really process the truth of their situation. That is, that they were both damaged by the horrible things they had seen, but had to bottle. Not all of them are traditional circumstances that cause this condition. One soldier said he saw a friend drown to death, because he was stuck in his gear. A single incident of death at home like this, would be the cause for community awareness. Friends and family of the victim would be cling together and many would get the attention they need to heal from clergy and community members. Yet after this funeral, no one was able to really speak about it They were still in the business of staying alive..  

“When in the war, you dream about being home, when at home you dream about being in the war”… (Words of the Sargent)  Both men shared that good men and women they knew, fell to drinking and drugs to cope with the pain and suffering of PTSD. They shared about the pain of having to sleep away from their own wives and loved ones until they could stop kicking and jerking in their sleep. This is at a time, when we would want to hold our spouse and comfort them. However in a dream one cannot tell the difference in a spouse’s loving touch, and the enemy..

The Dilemma of Telling  Truth, or even Knowing You Have PTSD….

So many of you are asking why don’t Military PTSD sufferers just get help??? Well the first problem is recognition of the problem itself.  When you are living it, it is hard to know that is what is happening to you. Many have to be told they have it. Second these men and women are taught to be tough, and weakness is not permitted. Telling someone you are having a problem, will move you down in the ranks of “rough and tough”. Only 2 questions are asked of returning soldiers.  They are very bland, and ask if you feel suicidal, or bad about anything… The Military had forgot to install the   “check this box” for witnessing death, pain, destruction. Being shot at, nearly blown up, and attacked at any time of day or night. Yet if you get a diagnosis of PTSD, the probability of getting a decent job is ruined by admission of the problems that result from pain, death, and destruction, so you pay for your honesty and your self-esteem takes a dive on the process.

Final Thoughts…

There are classes in place for soldiers to take when they get home. However for people who have been “family and friends” starved for months, the ability to focus on them is nil. We are foolish to believe that a few hours of training can really help a human being who has been shaken to the core of their very being. These people need a lot of counseling, and mentoring back into the civilian world. They need a partnership with their community, to give them a chance to get a good job. Today as you examine your part in Coming to Care about Soldiers, ask yourself if you can be an ear to listen, a shoulder to cry on. Ask yourself if you could give your time to help a soldier recover in some way?. If these are not your skills, then please be a voice, make yourself known to the government through your local State rep and Senator, and tell them that Veteran Care has to be improved for the sake of those who protect us, and those who for that service of protection have suffered.

Stop Human Trafficking Resources

Please take note of this number, 1-888-3737-888! This number is the national Human Trafficking Hot line, and has interpreters for 170 languages. The NHTRC, has a web site that has free printable fliers in many languages. www. PolarisProject.org. Please post these in grocery stores, and other public places where people can see them. Human trafficking is a huge problem. It carries a hefty profit of 32 Billion dollars a year. There is no exceptions to race, color, gender, or religion that is exempt from this problem. Please do your part and help those who are stuck in modern slavery find a way out!

The Dangers of "Cherry Picking" in Scripture

The Damage We Do With Scripture Misuse


I admit I am no great scholar. I admit I am no great professor. What I am is angry with the way people are using my Maker's words to hurt someone else.

Have you ever seen many of the new facebook names that people are using? Some are really neat like "Jesus Daily" and "Love to Laugh" They are used to make humanity feel better about themseleves. How ever there are some that I have had it with. I have also had it with people sharing horrible messages from them that they "think" are full of wit and wisdom, from Scripture. Today I stand by less is more. I saw a page with the title "God"as the page name. It was making fun of Tim Tebow, and his taking a knee. Someone was actually using scripture to justify making fun of him for his expression of faith, and calling themselves "God"..

A word to the witty and wise. READ YOUR SCRIPTURES IN CONTEXT. As people attempt to pull one or two phrases out of a single line of text, they show just how narrow what they are saying is. I have NO respect for this kind of preaching and teaching. The Bible is not one book. It is in fact many books. It is not written in chronological order, nor is it complete. It is in fact a series of texts designed to provide the basis of the life of the One whom we should follow. The KJV was put together by the Bishops of Canterbury in 1511 to give some cohesion to the teaching of sacred study. What do you suppose people did before that time? Or was 1511 a magical year? If we use any of the words to oppress, mock, or bring ourselves above another, we have gone against what the Bible is trying to teach. I can use the words in the Gospel to prove anything I want, but I am a fool if I don't use the words in proper context. I also need to use historical facts, reason, prayer, and a slew of lenses to be sure that what I am saying is proper.

James, the brother of Christ was wise. You see he suffered from initial jealousy at having to pick up the slack that was left in his older brother's absence. James had to take care of the family, worry about Mary, for we know that Joseph has passed or was too ill sometime before, or Jesus would not have been the male head of household guest at Cana.. (no Jesus was not an only child either).. James was not a believer at first. So when he speaks, he does so out of learning through hard knocks of his own mistakes, and having front row seats to his brother's ministry.

He left some advice that we need to remember From James, Brother of Jesus
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Live Well, Live Wisely

^13-16"Do you want to be counted wise, to build a reputation for wisdom? Here's what you do: Live well, live wisely, live humbly. It's the way you live, not the way you talk, that counts. Mean-spirited ambition isn't wisdom. Boasting that you are wise isn't wisdom. Twisting the truth to make yourselves sound wise isn't wisdom. It's the furthest thing from wisdom—it's animal cunning, devilish conniving. Whenever you're trying to look better than others or get the better of others, things fall apart and everyone ends up at the others' throats.
^17-18Real wisdom, God's wisdom, begins with a holy life and is characterized by getting along with others. It is gentle and reasonable, overflowing with mercy and blessings, not hot one day and cold the next, not two-faced. You can develop a healthy, robust community that lives right with God and enjoy its results only if you do the hard work of getting along with each other, treating each other with dignity and honor. " - The Message
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In closing,

Please my friends, if you see a scripture used to make a point, read before it, and read after it. Compare versions, and read various definitions when a scholar's Bible tell you there are multiple meanings. Ask yourself, what was it first saying written in Greek, Hebrew, Aramaic, or some other language from days of old? As we already know, words and their meanings change. The only thing in this life that will not, is the love of God for his human family. Before we speak on His behalf, we had better know what it is we are saying, or else we risk the credibility we have as Christians. We also are sinning ourselves, for assuming our selves level with God. We were commanded to Love him, and our neighbor, not use Him to gain our own purpose, or power over our neighbor. So now Mr. Tebow, please keep taking your knee, and thank God for the talent He has given you. Someday you will be too old to take that knee, but by then I am sure your witness will be honed in words enough, your knees won't matter..

Why I Need Them.

Why God Gave Me Peter and Shawn.

Right now I am sitting dazed about a post I read from a Christian man. It was a description of abuse that he and his partner suffered recently at the hands of a stranger. My heart breaks for him, that he and his partner to have to endure the kind of behavior people subject him too. His response, " I have more work to do". I am humbled by this. My response is an age old one. That of fury. I know a lot about my friends situation, not because we live close together, or even grew up together, but because for most of my life I have been bullied for my size. I know what it feels like to be hated for being in my own skins. Being a plus size person many people assume that I am lazy, or that I eat too much. The truth is I walk several miles each week at the rail trail, I also watch my calorie intake, and I don't have any vices. I own two businesses and work part time. I got to college full time and am keeping a 4.0 grade average. This busy doesn't even include being a wife, a mother, and a minister. I do all of these full time, and for those who wonder about ministry, no I am not paid, but everywhere I look, every thing I see, begs for the Love of God, and the Prince of  Peace. I cannot turn my mind off from the work of the church. I have tried...

What I do have is IBD, the beginning stages of Chron's disease. I have to periodicaly take steroids to keep from having my insides removed. I also take a medication for my heart that slows my metabolism down to a crawl. These things make my fantasy of being a size 10 a dream. It also makes living life very hard. People say things that are cruel like " You have such a pretty face" to me those are the words of a coward who won't say I don't like the rest of you. I also love when people casually suggest I join a gym or a fat management club of sorts as if I don't know that my body is large..

Back to my friend.. You see he is more courageous than I because I often run to my anger, rather than to the Lord. I try to work away the pain I feel, when at times I should be praying it away. A man much like my friend came to me at a time in my life when I was not sure of my purpose twenty years ago, I wondered if I could ever be loved by a man, as I was. This man took me to the movies, swimming and out for what ever. he showered me with affection and gave ferocious answers to women who were catty about him spending time with me.  Yet he would never ever ask for my hand. That was not how God created him. He was destined for the man who holds his heart. The ministry and power of his presence in my life saved me from the destruction of myself. He gave me a reason to look around this world, and see myself how God sees me. I love him to this day still, and thank God for him. My friend so far away that posted, I imagine that his ministry in the church in some way gave another person the kind of feeling. Maybe he led them to the waters of baptism, maybe he prayed for their health. Maybe he rescued some other over weight person from the depression and devastation of being alone. I don't know. What I do know is this, I will continue to look up to him for strength. I will pray for him daily that his life be blessed, because no matter what no person, no matter who they are should ever be made to suffer for who they simply are...

My Country's Father

More than Meeting and Greeting!

Coming to Care About Who and Where...

Today I took my son to his physical therapy appointment. The normally hustling and bustling office was silent. Most of the clients for the day had called in sick.. I greeted Gurcan as usual, in Turkish his native language. When James arrives he must have heat packs to warm his muscles for stretches, so the first ten minutes he is confined to a bed. Gurcan is propped on a large stretching station waiting. I told him that I had a test today about his native homeland, and the realm near by known as "NASWA", or North Africa and Western Asia. He asked me what I knew about Turkey. I told him that I knew that "Ataturk" was Mustafa Kamel. He told me about Kamel was named by another man for his wisdom, and how the people wanted him to be a king, but Kamel wanted only to be a citizen. He also told me how they gave women voting rights early on, and that people had to have last names when the new government came about. For many years people were simply the son or daughter of the parent. Much like the days of Biblical writing when Jesus was "Jesus, son of Joseph" Gurcan is nice to begin with, but as he was speaking his eyes were telling me he was somewhere in history, and that this is very important to him that I understand his history.

At this point James tells him that his back is too warm under the heat packs. Gurcan tells him : "Oh my, I guess you are cooked!" and begins his deep muscle kneading. I asked him about how he came to America. He tells me that he came with another friend, 20 years ago. He and his wife both. His friend did not stay. The more he shares, the more I can sense the Holy Spirit building, I cannot explain, but there is some kind of deeper understanding happening in this moment. I can tell that many people don't ask him, about "him." How often people assume that all medical professionals are machines. There to do a job, but not to know in person. I was so happy to have this little piece of Turkish history, and a connection to someone who really loves his patients. This is obvious to me when a little boy that he has seen since babydom, comes bursting in an asks how he is. With smiling eyes, Gurcan tells me how much he cares about that kid, and how long he has watched him grow. When his mom, a friend of mine from school days comes to get him, you can see he is sad to leave his "grown up friend".

When James first saw Gurcan two years ago, his appointments were in the morning. So I simply learned to say "Gunydan" or good morning, and "Nasilsinih" (these are not proper spellings of the exact words) Nasilsinih means "how are you?" Now James appointments are in the afternoon, and he is older so he also is learning to greet. After Gurcan shared with me his testimony, I can see something that is nearly bursting in the air. It is the crackle of knowing how important someone has just become to another. I told Gurcan about my gift of languages, and that I would stand on my head to learn Turkish. He offered me books and anything I needed to really learn this language.

I imagine that this is the foot path to peace. Two people as different as can be have a connection. I am a very generously built white female who is maybe 15 years younger than this very tall "fit as a fiddle" man who is tan always..and much wiser than I. We both know something about each other that matters, I know he will teach, he knows I will learn. These are the things that build blocks in the kingdom. I will never for get the smile on his face when he told me "My Country's Father...."