God Bless America

I can remember, as a young adult, going to a parade and getting choked up when the men in uniform walked by carrying the US Flag.  It was the idea that these men and women, with ages ranging from 18-99+, sacrificed their health, families, and LIFE to protect and defend this country I live in.  That they would willingly (or by draft) serve their God, and their country.  That they would willingly give up their lives to protect something that our Founding Fathers held so dear. 

As I was watching a baseball game the other day, as usual, "God Bless America" was sung during the 7th inning stretch...only this time-and the only time I ever remember-the singer sang the WHOLE song.  I was home alone.  The kids were at school and Kev at work.  The tears streamed down my face as I realized how far away from the ideals of this song our country is.

While the storm clouds gather far across the sea,

Let us swear allegiance to a land that's free,
Let us all be grateful for a land so fair,

As we raise our voices in a solemn prayer.

God Bless America,

Land that I love.

Stand beside her, and guide her

Through the night with a light from above.

From the mountains, to the prairies,

To the oceans, white with foam

God bless America, My home sweet home

God bless America, My home sweet home

I found my self thinking about our current President--who REFUSES to put his hand over his heart during the pledge of allegiance.

I found myself thinking of all the people of our country who worked so tirelessly to REMOVE prayer from our schools.

I found myself thinking about all of the innocent people that died in the terrorist attacks of 9/11, and instead of being proud of the efforts being made against terrorism, our former president is shunned and our troops are shunned for trying to do the right thing, and how our current President doesn't support the war--which to me says that he doesn't support all of those serving--risking their lives--to protect our country from another attack. 

It's not my intention to start a debate on the war, or our current president.  I have been included in a heated email chain between my aunt and her cousin on the evils of the two parties, and finally, just today, my cousin really stuck it to them.  He basically said this:  Open your eyes, do your research, use common sense, and VOTE!!!

For the past two weeks I have been pouring over any information I could find about the candidates and measures on my ballot.  I feel informed and confident in my decisions.  I can't wait to turn in my ballot.  I like feeling that I can have a small part in changing what needs changing. 

I encourage all of you (my very, very, small pool of readers) to study, ponder, and pray about your vote this November 2nd.  Heaven knows our country needs all the prayers it can get!

GOD BLESS AMERICA!