Last night I had the great pleasure of attending an outdoor concert where a local, successful songwriter’s life was remembered. All proceeds from admission go to charities in our community. As I sat at this concert, I began to cry. Why? I was totally overwhelmed at my surroundings. A beautiful, star lit sky. A cool breeze in the air. My husband sitting beside me. My daughter and son in law behind us. A gorgeous moon lit church in the background. A beautiful antebellum building beside it. Beautiful music. Friends. Freedom.
Now I’m not a very political person. The whole thing is just extremely frustrating to me. But I am a patriotic person. I love this country! I am fully aware of the blessings that abound in this place we call America. Yes, we have our problems and some of them are major ones, but there are a lot of things good and right about it. Just a few I am thankful for: freedom of worship, freedom of speech, freedom of the press, freedom of assembly, and freedom of petition. These are listed in the First Amendment of the United States Constitution.
My dad was in World War II. He never wanted to talk about it so I really don’t know much about what he witnessed while serving. But I do know this: every single time he saw the American flag, he put his hand over his heart. Every single time he saw a man in uniform, he saluted. Every single time he heard the Star Spangled Banner, he stood, silent, until it ended. And, every single time, at the mention of a man losing his life in war, he bowed his head, either praying or just respectfully reflecting on the great sacrifice this soldier had made for our country.
Partly because of this lesson learned from observation, I am easily overwhelmed and tearful at the mention of our soldiers, the burdens their families carry and often times, the lack of respect I believe they are given. How can we as Americans, who have been given so much, forget the sacrifice men and women have made through the years so we can continue those above listed freedoms? How can we be so prideful as to forget those who humbled themselves and fought so generations can enjoy freedom? Do we not realize what we have been given? I just don’t understand how anyone can continually degrade this country, our rich heritage, and the Christian principles on which this country was founded. On April 6 while in Turkey our President declared that one of the great strengths of the U.S. is that we are not a Christian nation. Excuse me? The reason this country is so strong is because of those who founded our country sought the guidance of our great God. It is evidenced in their writings. Read for yourself the first two sentences of the Declaration of Independence Because of that, God has had His Mighty Hand on this country for centuries. There are those who are asking Him to remove it. I personally am begging Him not to.
Last night one of the featured performers was singer/songwriter John Berry. John has endeared himself to me by his love of country and God through his music. He sang a song that earned him a standing ovation. I’ve copied the words below. You might want to take a minute, read these lyrics, and maybe say a prayer for those men and women and their families who have sacrificed, and continue to sacrifice, so we may have freedom. And, while you’re at it, pray for our America.
GIVE ME BACK MY AMERICA
Words & Music By
John Berry
Sittin' Watchin' the news today
People Tryin' to make their way
Through a time that's hard to understand
There are those that pull their weight
They work hard and get home late
Just in time to get their kids to bed
You know us workin' folks
We're strong and we're tough
And sooner or later enough is enough
I want to work with my hands down at the mill
Plowin' a field or forgin' the steel
Without interference from Capitol Hill
Give Me Back My America
I don't know what I can do
The government's makin' up all new rules
This is change that I don't believe in
Cause there are those that plot and scheme
They think they have the right to change
Everything this country's founded on
I think it's obvious they've broken our trust
We need to remind them that they work for us
I want to raise my family on my piece of land
Start my own business, do the best that I can
Without interference from government plans
Give Me Back My America
I want to worship my God like my father did
Give to His church what I know is His
Without interference from Capitol Hill
Give Me Back My America
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