We are still here
During a recent visit to Colorado Springs I stumbled upon The National Museum of WW2 Aviation. The museum is an extraordinary place saturated with historical information and stocked with a rich inventory of restored WW2 planes.
In the gift shop I spotted a collection of WW2 donated items for sale. A pair of combat boots apparently worn by a tanker soldier was staring at me. For only $35 I knew they had to be mine! Being an artist who loves to create paintings of oddities those boots were going back to North Carolina in my suitcase. The leather was worn and the laces did not match. The size was a rather small men’s size 9.5. If DNA could talk I knew these boots had a story to tell. Inside , in handwriting, was a number and the last name Washington.
In my studio these boots served a purpose . Students Hannah, Charlotte, Proctor and I would paint them as a tribute to veterans and active duty military. Why? These three students come from homes whose parents wish for them to appreciate and respect the men and women of all color who have fought for their freedom. These 3 students know an attitude of entitlement is not the way. Its that simple. Its that direct. It’s not about choosing sides. Its about human life.
I am a mom of a soldier. Has the chaos of 2020 enabled social media to finally achieve it’s goal by twisting our minds in a direction to their agenda ? Have we fallen prey to allowing others to think for us? Are our minds broken to the point that we change them every time “ a squirrel runs by”.
Few things I know are absolute. God is above all. He is a God of constant truth. He is a God who created His earthly image in multicolor skin. He is sovereign and merciful AND our military will always be around and in need of prayer. It is factual. It is truth. We don’t have to be pro war to love and pray for the individuals who have placed their lives on the line to protect us as a nation. These men and women come from American towns and cities with neighbors and loved ones. They and theirs have suffered and experienced joy. When did patriotism that supports the individual soldier become political?
We all have stories weaved into the fabric in the tapestry of the colorful country we reside in. The American military’s thread is a large part of the design. The military are durable threads of beautiful colors and race. They are a blending of hues of diverse beautiful culture and design. They are woven through poor and rich and middle class communities and have sat in your churches and places of worship. THEY ARE STILL HERE
America is far from perfect. We have centuries of behavior requiring repenting and forgiveness but the military will always be. They are sewn in to our fabric.
At what point in recent history has it become a political issue, even within the American church , and to hush our voice of support and love and concern for the American soldier? Is the military a society of their own? Are they? Do they not fall under the all inclusive when we say as Christ Followers we are to “gather and pray” for the lives of all men regardless of what they have done or where they come from. When did it become such a struggle to gather the community of believers to welcome home and celebrate a soldier who arrived home safe from deployment. We can not deny that the calling to serve is often an assignment from The Holy Spirit into the heart of the soldier. At this point I can only speak for my house.
As for me and my house we will serve The Lord. Joshua 24:15.
In my house that means to be a servant of people. To pray and love and support in the name of Jesus Christ. To exclude no one therefore openly including US Military. In my house it means to pray for the life of our son and fellow soldiers and families. To pray for and create ministries for protection of the men and women on Military bases all over this country and abroad. To offer each life up to God and His protective pinions that cover their vulnerable lives. In my house we claim Psalm 91 over their priceless lives. In my house it means to open my mouth and embrace the suffering and needs of individuals that are greeted at the alter and to outspokenly include the mentioning of and recognition of the American soldier.
