United We Stand; Divided We Fall

Could any statement be more telling than this one with our current leadership and the act of destroying our country before our very eyes?

On this Independence Day, 2015, I look at the things occurring around the world, but especially those occurring within the borders of our own country and I feel a sense of sadness deep in my soul.  As the daughter of a 23 year Army veteran, now in the arms of the Savior, I was raised with a strong sense of patriotism, love of country, respect for the flag and great appreciation for all those who have fought for our freedom, especially those who gave all for us.  My father was great man, who though human and thus one who made mistakes, knew what it meant to love the United States of America, to teach his children to love her, to understand the sacrifices our armed forces have made to give us the freedoms and rights we so love to tout as being what this country is all about.  But I can say that right now, my heart aches for our country.

There are men of power in this country who seek to tear us down to nothing.  They are trying to create a race war after we fought so hard to find peace and familiar ground, for the most part, among our people in this respect.  They pit us at every turn and fire up those who are dissatisfied with their lives - even when much of it is brought on by themselves and their lack of confidence that they can be more.  They have weakened us by making some of us think we cannot survive on our own - that entitlement is the only way to be one of the haves, rather than a have not.  The historical truths that would help make African Americans feel proud has been buried with the lies of those who desired to, and some who still desire to, hold them down.  We are becoming a country that has forgotten the American Dream because there are those who intend to take that ability and right that this country is founded on away from us.

I look at the many immigrant people I know and see strong businesses they have built - and, oh yes they did build it themselves!  I see them supporting their families, contributing to society, obeying tax laws (I work for a CPA).  Some of them left their own homelands for America so they could have good and fruitful lives.  Of course, not all of the immigrants do this and it is those who do not, who come here to break laws, rape, murder, steal, that we need to rid our country of in this fight on immigration.

There are good things, too, though we are often at odds on whether or not they are good.  For me, the legalization of same-sex marriage is one of them.  I understand that this may be a difficult thing to comes to terms with for many Christians, though.  I know what the Scriptures say but I also understand the historical times, when the population of Christians was so low, they could not afford to not multiply their numbers. I also know that despite that, we are not in a place to judge others.  What I posted on Facebook explains where my heart is on this:

I have to say I am absolutely thrilled with the Supreme Court ruling on same-sex marriage. I know some of my friends totally disagree with this, but let me say WHY I am happy about it.
First, no same-sex couple will ever again have to deal with other family members making end-of-life decisions for their long-time partners. THEY will be the next-of-kin. They will be able to carry joint health, car, and home insurance. They will have a chance to show their many years-long relationship means enough to them to seal it 'til death do they part'. If one passes, there will be no issue about who takes custody of their children. They will be able to provide benefits to their partner - annuities, social security, and Medicare. Inheritance will go automatically to the partner in instances when no will is left. If a veteran, they can now share their benefits with their partner and children. Wrongful death benefits for the partner and any children. Bereavement or sick leave to care for a partner or child. Crime victim recovery benefits will be available to partners and children. Domestic violence protection orders will be available. So many things we take for granted. And I know a number of same-sex couples who have been together 16, 22, 35 and even 60 years.

It's just a word - marriage. But legally, it is EVERYTHING for them. So I say be Christ-like in your love and tolerance. Be understanding of something you may not agree with and allow others to live as they choose. It has NEVER been our place to judge others. That belongs solely to Heavenly Father and his Son. So I rejoice in this decision that will allow ALL the same-sex relationships I know of to become legal no matter where they are in the United States.

This Independence Day I will spend in prayer for our country.  I will pray that our Heavenly Father will stay the hands of those who desire to see our destruction.  I will pray for peace among our people, black, white, Native American, Latino, and every other race and color that make this country a "melting pot".  I will pray that we as a people find love, kindness, and forgiveness in our hearts and that we see what we should be on the horizon of a nation that once again can be great; an example to others of what they should strive to be.  We are the promised land in so many ways.  God Bless America!