Category: Freedom & Justice
Wounded Warriors: The Movie Breaking the Silence on the Struggle with PTSD
The film is inspired by true stories and focuses on the reconciliation between two veterans, a father and a son. The son battles with PTSD, which actually began in childhood when his Vietnam War-traumatized father failed to deal with his own demons. The emotional abuse the boy suffers is intensified by later experiences in Afghanistan, and he turns to alcohol to deal with it. The film not only highlights the effects of PTSD on a young Veteran’s family, but also the courage it takes the entire family to overcome his difficult battles.
Freedom: Our Best and Worst Enemy
America will never be destroyed from the outside. If we falter and lose our freedoms, it will be because we destroyed ourselves. ~ Abraham Lincoln
I couldn’t help but throw in a historical quote. Sometimes it’s better to let the historian in me get its way from time to time.
Lately I’ve been reading through the Old Testament and haven’t been able to dismiss the numerous present day applications this ancient text contains. Stories of great faith, incredible courage, epic failures and triumphant comebacks spring from the pages and shout “Listen and Learn.”
Over and over I read about God’s people, who were given Freedom but chose bondage. Why? Because God’s Freedom comes with guidelines. If God’s people would obey His commands, and live their lives in ways meant for their own benefit, then they would remain free, but if they turned from God and lived in disobedience then they would find themselves in bondage. Oh, they would choose God’s way, but then soon choose their own watered down, sad replacement version of Freedom. Their way always ended up in their emotional, physical and spiritual captivity.
How are we, the people of this nation and this world, any different from the Israelites of the Bible (God’s people)? We want freedom on our own terms. We shake our fists at God’s Word like temperamental toddlers telling him we’re going to live the way we want because it makes us happy, or we can’t help the way we are. The truth is, we just want our way. We want like-minded people to rally around us with affirmation for our life choices. The truth is, God loves us (John 3:16). He has a plan for our life (Jeremiah 29:11), and what better person to give us direction than the one who made us, and knows everything–past, present and future? It’s a no brainer, but we still persist on living life on our own terms.
Some may say, “It’s not true freedom if there are stipulations.” You’re right, but this world isn’t equipped to handle true freedom and neither are we, hence the heinous nightly news reports. That’s why God provides the way we should go, and even when He takes us through the mire of life, He shows us how to handle it.
Some may say, “It’s not fair for God to discipline His people. That’s cruelty, not love.” I have to be honest and say that the Old Testament is FREAKY at times, but I’ve developed a healthy respect for God and I’m learning just how serious sin is. At the same time, this God who disciplines and allows bad things to happen is the same God who would rather pull in the reigns, and set guidelines in hopes that not one of His people would self-destruct. God wants to save us from ourselves as we live out our version of freedom.
Here’s the thing: we all may think we’re right; that our truth is true, that it’s the choice we should make, and we’re not hurting anyone else etc. But Proverbs 14:12 says “There is a path before each person that seems right, but it ends in death.”
My husband fights for our country’s freedom, as do many of my friend’s spouses. It’s worth fighting for, but it can be our best or worst enemy, so let’s choose God’s path and His stipulations for liberty.
Choosing Life: A Celebration Baby Shower at the Hope Pregnancy Center
The Feet of Those Who Were Given Life |
As part of a Mom’s group, I recently had the honor of taking part in hosting a Baby Shower for many mothers-to-be at the Hope Pregnancy Center here in Clarksville.
Months earlier, many of the women in attendance found themselves pregnant & scared. There were many who didn’t want to be pregnant, didn’t want the baby, and considered having an abortion.
But they changed their mind. Some will choose adoption for their baby, and bless a loving and deserving family. But all of these women chose life.
Thank You Chick-Fil-A for Donating to the Shower! |
I admire their courage. In the face of fear they sought help and guidance. So many people, myself included, find it difficult to reach out in a time of need. I don’t want anyone to think I’m incompetent. Besides, I’m an Army Wife, and we can do it all, right?
Sweet Treats! |
Their bellies were large, and their feet were swollen as these lovely ladies neared the end of their pregnancy. Were they still scared? I never asked, but to some degree, I’m sure they were. We chatted about due dates, gender, baby names, nursery rhymes and shared labor stories–women want those details.
The “Don’t say Baby” game! |
Listening, watching, and socializing with these women, I realized that every expectant mother deserves a baby shower. All of the shower stuff. From the fabulous food to the fun, right of passage baby shower games (I never lost my clothes pin!). Every mother-to-be deserves to be celebrated, especially these Mommas, because they chose life when they didn’t have to, when they thought it would be easier not to, when they knew their families would disapprove of their situation and possibly abandon them. Even then, they still chose life. Now that is something to throw a shower for!
Gifts for All the Mommas! |
No matter the circumstance, right, wrong, whatever the reason these women found themselves pregnant and at a Pregnancy Center, they are still a child of God. They are beautiful, worthy, loved, special, and hand crafted by our Creator with a purpose. The child they carry is not a mistake. That baby was handcrafted for a purpose, he or she is beautiful, loved, special and worthy of the best life possible.
I know I’m speaking for our group, but I’m praying that we as the host were able to bless these expectant Momma’s as much as they blessed us.
Being an Army Wife, I’ve kind of adopted the saying of “grow where you’re planted.” For me, that means making a Kingdom impact on the community where I currently live. What better way to make a difference than partnering with a local pregnancy center to speak words of life and encouragement to women who may have found themselves unexpectedly expecting?
Held Hostage: The Martin & Gracia Burnham Story
pic from mannaexpress.com |
I’m patriotic. It kind of comes with the whole Army Wife/Life deal. For God and Country, yes, but I have to admit, push come to shove, it’s God who I’m siding with.
Nations come and go, but God’s kingdom lasts forever. I’d fight along side my husband any day to defend our land and the morals of this Great Nation , but I know that it’s God’s Kingdom/Nation that counts eternally. I want to live my life in a way that will positively influence people living now, and even those that will be living centuries from now. Outlandish? Nope.
How do I do this? By loving those around me. How do I love those around me? By Investing myself, my time, resources, and energy to my family, friends and strangers. Those things have eternal value. Those things have generational and eternal impact. Living this way is God’s plan for my life, and for those that follow Christ.
Martin and Gracia Burnham, missionaries in the Philipines, knew this to be true as well. They risked it all to invest themselves in the people around them, and were kidnapped and held hostage by a Muslim terrorist group, while celebrating their 18th wedding anniversary. Wow.
Their story is heart wrenching and inspiring. I would love for you take the next five minutes or so and listen to Gracia share her experience. It puts a spin on Freedom that I can’t quite put words to.
SHOUT OUT (Whoop Whoop, lol): Thank God for the military who risked their lives to save those held captive, and for the missionaries who risk their lives everyday to show others how much Jesus loves the people around them.
Freedom Has Fangs: When We Use Our Freedom to Bite
Freedom is worth having, worth fighting for, and definitely worth dying for. Though it is a blessing, it can also be quite dangerous if misused. It has fangs. Fangs that can protect, provide, and unfortunately, harm others when chosen.
Some crazy person decided to use their Freedom Fangs to wrongfully attacked this week, and once again, our young nation has endured tragedy. The bombings in Boston, and now the explosion in Waco, TX. The bombings are being called an act of terror–true, but that’s not entirely true. In my opinion, the bombings were an act of cowardice. These people or persons, have misused their freedom and will be brought to justice.
In times like these, I find myself asking ‘Why?’
Why do bad things happen?
Why do bad things happen to good people?
The answer isn’t fun, it isn’t comforting, it’s simply that this world, and all mankind are sinful. We are sinful people given free will, and sometimes sinful people do sinful things with their freedom/free will. Pastor Andy Stanley from North Point Community Church, in Alpharetta, GA gives the most thought out, easy to grasp explanation of why bad things happen, in his Starting Point audio study. I would encourage anyone to check it out.
This is what I know: When bad things happen, it’s an opportunity to increase our Faith and Trust in God, because He’s bigger and smarter than we are. He’s an expert at giving purpose to pain, bringing good out of bad situations, and so I pray that He’s busy doing that right now. I’m also going to pray that the people of Boston stay strong, are encouraged, and only become stronger because of this horrific tragedy.
These terrorists picked the wrong city to mess with! Boston has bigger Freedom Fangs than those cowardly terrorists!
It’s a Great Weekend to Free Slaves: Spotlight on The International Justice Mission
Our Nation May be the Land of the Free and the Home of the Brave, but Slavery Still Exists Around the World.
Sex trafficking or the sex slave trade is a growing pandemic around the world. In a letter to our President, the International Justice Mission states, “an estimated 27 million people are enslaved around the world today, including within our own borders.”
Over 73,000 people teamed up with the IJM (International Justice Mission) to stand against modern day slavery. We are Americans. Fighting for Freedom, and the Freedom of others is in our blood.
Christian’s have been the leading force in ending slavery in America during the Civil War time period. They have marched and lead the battle for the right for women to vote, to enact child labor laws, and civil rights. It’s time we stand up again, and do what we have been commanded: “do justice, love mercy, and walk humbly with [our] God.” `Micah 6:8.
Now that you know slavery still exists, it’s your turn to help end it. How? Here’s a few suggestions.
- Check out the IJM website and contact info. They are great at responding to emails and give wonderful suggestions on how to raise support
- Click here to ask the President to make freedom real for all
- Participate or Donate to Calvary Baptist Church’s 4th Annual Run for Justice on Saturday, April 20th, 2013.
Sandy Hook Elementary Shootings
Picture taken from www.elmont.org |
Our world is even more aware of the existence of evil, after the horrible tragedy on Friday that claimed the lives of 20 beautiful children and 6 brave adults at Sandy Hook Elementary School in Newtown, Connecticut. Sending my son to school today was difficult. To see him get on the bus made me cringe. I felt uneasy about sending my Second Grader to school. Was he going to be safe? I made myself nauseous mapping out ways that an intruder would be able to gain access to his room–it really would be all to easy. The truth is, it would be easy for someone to inflict damage on anyone of us if that was their intent.
As a nation, our hearts are broken for such devastating loss of innocence. Our children bring us such hope and joy. If adults could learn to harness the simple purity of a child’s perspective on life, then the world would be a better place. Jesus knew what He was saying when He talked about having faith like a child. Children are what is good in this world, and worthy of our protection.
1-13 You who sit down in the High God’s presence,
spend the night in Shaddai’s shadow,
Say this: “God, you’re my refuge.
I trust in you and I’m safe!”
That’s right—he rescues you from hidden traps,
shields you from deadly hazards.
His huge outstretched arms protect you—
under them you’re perfectly safe;
his arms fend off all harm.
Fear nothing—not wild wolves in the night,
not flying arrows in the day,
Not disease that prowls through the darkness,
not disaster that erupts at high noon.
Even though others succumb all around,
drop like flies right and left,
no harm will even graze you.
You’ll stand untouched, watch it all from a distance,
watch the wicked turn into corpses.
Yes, because God’s your refuge,
the High God your very own home,
Evil can’t get close to you,
harm can’t get through the door.
He ordered his angels
to guard you wherever you go.
If you stumble, they’ll catch you;
their job is to keep you from falling.
You’ll walk unharmed among lions and snakes,
and kick young lions and serpents from the path.
14-16 “If you’ll hold on to me for dear life,” says God,
“I’ll get you out of any trouble.
I’ll give you the best of care
if you’ll only get to know and trust me.
Call me and I’ll answer, be at your side in bad times;
I’ll rescue you, then throw you a party.
I’ll give you a long life,
give you a long drink of salvation!”
spend the night in Shaddai’s shadow,
Say this: “God, you’re my refuge.
I trust in you and I’m safe!”
That’s right—he rescues you from hidden traps,
shields you from deadly hazards.
His huge outstretched arms protect you—
under them you’re perfectly safe;
his arms fend off all harm.
Fear nothing—not wild wolves in the night,
not flying arrows in the day,
Not disease that prowls through the darkness,
not disaster that erupts at high noon.
Even though others succumb all around,
drop like flies right and left,
no harm will even graze you.
You’ll stand untouched, watch it all from a distance,
watch the wicked turn into corpses.
Yes, because God’s your refuge,
the High God your very own home,
Evil can’t get close to you,
harm can’t get through the door.
He ordered his angels
to guard you wherever you go.
If you stumble, they’ll catch you;
their job is to keep you from falling.
You’ll walk unharmed among lions and snakes,
and kick young lions and serpents from the path.
“I’ll get you out of any trouble.
I’ll give you the best of care
if you’ll only get to know and trust me.
Call me and I’ll answer, be at your side in bad times;
I’ll rescue you, then throw you a party.
I’ll give you a long life,
give you a long drink of salvation!”
Raising Little Boys…
My little boy started 2nd grade this week…sniff, sniff, tear, tear. Where did the time go? It’s strange for him to be seven. In ten years he will be a Senior, applying to colleges, driving (YIKES), maybe even dating (I will highly discourage this…any girl interested will have to apply first lol…lol not really kidding about the applying to date my son part). In ten years he won’t be into star wars, transformers or the avengers…well, at 17 he may choose keep that obsession a secret. In ten years I will probably be totally uncool because I’m more than halfway there already….he doesn’t laugh at my goofy faces like he used too, although he still rolls with laughter when we play chase by bunny hopping instead of running.
My little boy is growing up and it makes me crazy sad and happy at the same time!! Ugh…I need a tub of ice cream… :(…maybe I will skip on the ice cream as I flashback to this morning when my daughter was pointing and laughing while I got dressed…nice how a two year old can affect your self esteem. 🙂
As I think about my kiddos I can’t help but notice how boys and girls are TRULY different; it’s not just a theory. Raising little boys is…is…is…well, it’s different than raising girls…for example…
*Mclain fell the day before school; totally skinned up his knee and dotted his eye. Yes, he cried, but then perked up at the thought of having a black eye ’cause the guys in his class would think he was cool. What kind of logic is this?
*Willa and I look at the Magnolia tree in our front yard and see the beauty….Mclain sees a urinal. It’s nice when the neighbors go by and see your son in all his glory “watering” the tree–as he claims.
Boys are rough little daredevils, but also so tenderhearted, and at times passionate. I love how he still gives me hugs and kisses, and waits for a bedtime story. Recently he was reading about Rosa Parks, and couldn’t understand what the big deal was about not giving up her seat on the bus, because, after all, according to 2nd grade logic, the back of the bus is where the cool people sit. I tried my best to explain how African Americans were treated back then; it’s like this awful stain on American History that’s hard to talk about. He was totally upset and moved by this information, so later that day he said, “Mom, I’ve been inspired to write a song for African Americans.” It went like this. “I’m an African American. I’m an African American. I’m an African American and I’m FREE!” Nice. Sweet. Innocent. I’m hoping he doesn’t sing it in public…somebody could take offense, but the point is, he was passionate about the topic and was moved to write a song.
Oh, the joy of raising little boys… 🙂
Who’s Picking on Chick-Fil-A?
Focus on the Family’s Jim Daly posted his latest blog “Did Facebook Boycott Chick-Fil-A?” recently and it caught my eye because, well, Chick-Fil-A is just AMAZING–best chicken sandwich ever AND a soundproof kid’s play area (GENIUS!).
Basically Chick-Fil-A has said that they support the biblical definition of a family unit–WHICH HELLO, THAT IS NO SURPRISE–and now social media, politicians, celebrities, and gay rights activists are all up in arms and ready to bring Chick-Fil-A down or acting like the whole food chain has leprosy. Craziness. Geez people! Chick-Fil-A is a WONDERFUL company that gives so much back to the community. Besides, who else says “It’s my pleasure to serve you,” (with a smile) at a drive through window let alone anywhere else in the world? These Chick-Fil-A boycotters need to wake up and realize that they are boycotting CHICKEN SANDWICHES…it seems a little sad to me…definitely a waste of good time.
Whatever happened to just agreeing to disagree over different perspectives/opinions? Why does Chick-Fil-A have to be punished for sharing their views…ugh, that’s so unfair.
I am sorry if our nation feels like Christians hate gay people…that’s so not true. Let me say that it should not be true, but some people, Christians or not are just hater kind of people. I’m a Christian and I love gay people; Jesus loves gay people–His whole message is about Love! Love doesn’t mean you agree with everything someone does. I totally feel for the the gay community’s cause, and if it were not for my faith and belief in God’s Word then I would totally be in support of same sex marriage because it’s their life, they can do what they want. However, God has a different view on marriage and family, so I’m going to stick with what He says because, well, He created everything so I figure He knows what He is doing.
All that to say:
It’s going to take a lot more than a few frenzied public figures to keep my car away from Chick-Fil-A. In fact, I will be there Wed. Aug. 1st for a play date–you are welcome to come! I’m not giving up the children’s soundproof play area, lol, and I like knowing that I am supporting a company that stands for something I can build my life around–Good Faith and Good Food.