Our Flag Was Still There ...

Please forgive my opinions in this journal entry, but I can't help myself to make these observations as we celebrate our nation's birthday. We still live in the greatest country on earth, despite what some may say and have us believe. But there are cracks in the foundation that are cause for great concern. I believe our nation is being slowly convinced that we are no longer the land of the free and the home of the brave. I think that we as Americans would do well to take a step back and learn again to appreciate the meaning behind the words in the title of this entry. I'm afraid our nation's leaders have written them off in many ways and have conscripted our news media to convince us that it's for our own benefit. I hope that as we observe the annual fireworks displays in our local communities, we will think of those who have provided us the freedom, through brave sacrifices, to enjoy those displays.



I'm afraid the efforts and sacrifices of our soldiers are no longer understood or appreciated by too many of us. Without them, our two sweet baby girls, and many others like them, would never have the opportunity to dream of a better life as Americans. Anyone who has ever traveled outside the friendly confines of our most blessed nation can attest to the privileges we enjoy and the conditions others endure. To know that our flag is still there, here in America and in our embassies and consulates abroad, is a great comfort, but one that seems to be slowly diminishing.



Without our soldiers, our own country, even our local communities, would be less safe. Our privileges to worship a loving God without fear of reprisal would not exist. I'm afraid we don't pray enough for our soldiers - I know that I am guilty of that myself. Maybe on this 4th of July, we could each take a minute and read through Psalm 91 and lift the name of a soldier to our Lord, asking Him for a blanket of protection over that soldier.



I'm afraid we don't pray enough for divine guidance for our leaders - and as a result those leaders are making decisions that will diminish the quality of life for all who follow us, your children and ours. I've never viewed our Congress with anything but respect, but find myself more and more asking why they are making decisions as they are. And as for the Office of the President of these United States, I am simply confused and stunned by many of the statements recently expressed.



To say that we are not a Christian nation is simply to ignore history and the reasons for which our nation was founded - that's not my opinion, it is fact. In my view, apologizing to the world for American 'arrogance' does not make it easier for us to travel abroad and adopt children. Indeed, it makes it less safe and more difficult, as our nation becomes less respected around the world. I'm reminded of a couple of American journalists in prison in North Korea at this very moment and who appear to have been all but forgotten by our leaders and the very media that sent them there in the first place.



In the midst of all this concern, however, comes a small, still voice reminding us that He is in control and that all things are allowed to occur only according to His plan. He is our loving and patient God, providing the very air we breathe and the sustenance of our lives. So, what are we to do?



If we abide in Him and allow Him to abide in us as a nation, then we will continue to prosper and be blessed. If we pray and humble ourselves before Him, ask His forgiveness for our transgressions, and plead the blood of Jesus over our nation, He will be faithful and kind to us. And, as a Christian nation, we will still have the privilege of answering His call to care for the orphans of this world ... all 148 million of them. So, please pray for our nation today, as we celebrate its foundation, which is solidly based in Christianity, standing as a lighthouse to a lost and forsaken world. And pray that our leaders take notice of the circumstances of those orphans who greatly need a "Christian" nation to rise up and stand up for them.



May God forgive us for what we have done to His children in this world and may He yet give us the opportunity and privilege to respond to their needs, both in America and throughout the world. May God continue to bless America.

Love,
Jerry, Connie, Austin, Lily Grace, and Lia Faith
Green, Party of Five