My wife Kathy sent me this email that she had written as a reply to a forward, and I thought everyone should read it.
You’ve probably gotten the same gazillions of email forwards about our country, the state of the world and all the evils there in. Everyone seems to have the answer, but instead of using it they just come up with more emails about how bad things are; usually quoting false news stories, made up quotes and out of context statistics.
Truth is… I never read forwards, especially if I’m in a whole list of people who got it. It’s my choice, for i am King of Spamalot.
But, I thought this response was great. So, here it is…
… I wonder if we (I) will ever stop just passing on emails that I think are right and actually DO something about the moral decay, hate, prejudice, and rebellion in our country. It breaks my heart to know that people like my Dad sacrificed years of his life serving our country so that we can live with the rights and freedoms that made this country great, only for those rights and freedoms to be used against those who fought for them.
When our founding fathers pledged first to their faith and then to the flag, I think they had it in the right order. Sadly, we live in a country with such a skewed vision and world view that it seems only an act such as Sodom and Gomorrah can change things. I know that no politician can bring about change on his own. No preacher can do it alone. I suppose I am wondering if I am doing what all I can do to bring about the changes that I read in my Bible that need to happen and am I bringing up my children in such a way that they respect first the word of God and then the words of the pledge?
Do I impress on my children the importance of standing for what is morally and ethically right, no matter the cost? Am I being the example of a person who would defend the helpless regardless of race or income? Am I living the words that I read in scripture and encouraging those around me to do the same without being judgmental or pious? Am I willing to support those who are going the ‘right’ way instead of hating those who aren’t? Do I spur others on toward love and good deeds, or do I bad mouth, bite and complain about those who don’t?
I don’t believe the intention of those who gave their lives to help establish the United States of America was to see it be a nation that believes only one way or be under the strict demands of one man, I think that’s called a dictatorship. I do however, believe that they intended for us to be able to worship freely, give of ourselves for the betterment of others, help the helpless and downtrodden and allow people to think as they wish as long as it doesn’t harm others.
The reality is that our land is broken and we have strayed. We allow people who have no moral compass lead, teach, speak, and influence us and our children. I don’t want us to all be droids that mindlessly follow one line of thinking. That is not how we were created. I do want my children to grow up knowing they have the right and obligation to live by the Word and by the law of the land they live in, no matter what their circumstances may be.
I am a Christian. I believe in the Holy Bible as being the inerrant and infallible word of God. That is the lens by which I view the world around me and the standard by which I judge myself and the actions of others. I know this offends others who do not believe the way that I do, as is their right. That will not change who I am or what I believe. Now that I have made these statements and expressed my opinions, am I ready to “walk the walk” or will this just be one more patriotic, “I love Jesus” email?
I ask you to pray for me and for our country. 2 Chronicles 7:14 says, “…if my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then will I hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and will heal their land.”
This will redeem, repair and rescue ‘the land of the free and the home of the brave”.I love you and may the hand of the Almighty be on you today.
– Kat
You go girl.