Date: 5/29/2007
Author: Devin Pickard
Title: May 30, 2007
Since the American Revolutionary War in 1775, the United States has been involved in at least 19 major conflicts down to the present day situation in Iraq. Over the course of that time, over 37 million men and women have served our great land in the military, with more than 640,000 of that number giving the ultimate sacrifice for you and me. Far too many families have had to welcome their loved ones home in a flag-draped coffin. Many of them now spend their Memorial Day weekend carrying flowers to a graveyard rather than potato salad to a family cook-out. We had the privilege this past weekend to honor and memorialize those brave souls and their families for their dedicated service to this great nation. We had several veterans in attendance with us on Sunday morning who we recognized with a hearty applause of appreciation. We also remembered local hero Roger Rowe. Roger lost his life in Iraq on July 9, 2003 at the age of 54. At the time of his death, I believe Roger was the oldest American casualty in the conflict. Mr. Rowe left behind a wonderful family; his wife Shirley; four children....Mart, Marty, Regina and Scott, along with several grandchildren, friends and other loved ones. May we never see an American flag flying or hear our National Anthem played when we don’t think of Roger and the countless others who went on the other side of the world so that maybe our children and grandchildren won’t have to. May God bless their families and may we not forget the fact that freedom is NEVER free.
“Liberty, when it begins to take root, is a plant of rapid growth.” (George Washington) “God grant that not only the love of liberty, but a thorough knowledge of the rights of men may pervade all nations of the earth.” (Benjamin Franklin) “I only regret that I have but one life to lose for my country.” (Nathan Hale) “The cement of this union is the heart blood of every American.” (Thomas Jefferson) “Those who expect to reap the blessings of freedom must, like men, undergo the fatigue of supporting it.” (Thomas Paine) “Those who will not be governed by God will be ruled by tyrants.” (William Penn) “Patriotism is easy to understand in America - it means looking out for yourself by looking out for your country.” (Calvin Coolidge)
Sometimes many of us feel like we can’t make a difference. We perhaps often feel isolated and insignificant if we have never been a freedom fighter on foreign soil or penned a patriotic sentiment like those great Americans quoted above. But alas, none of this is true. We CAN make a difference, each one of us. Paul discusses this feeling of unworthiness, at least in a spiritual sense, in 1 Corinthians 12. He says if “God has set you” as an eye or a foot, that you are just as important as any other part of the body. Just ask someone who has lost a foot or an eye how important those were to their daily functioning. Though they can continue without those parts, they probably would bring them back if they could. The United States of America and the Lord’s Church have a lot in common. They both need everyone to stand up, be counted, and let their voices be heard. They both need everyone to do their part, whatever that part might be. They both need everyone to become involved and even at times be willing to take some risks for the cause. They both need people who will be dedicated to the work at hand continually, not just when they feel like it, when it’s convenient, or when they think they will immediately get something in return. America is the greatest nation in the world because of those folks who decided to make a difference, even if it was just in their own homes or on their own street corner. America is a great country not because of the “part-timers” or those who were Americans by convenience. Our country is great because of the “24-7 Americans”. You see, the Church is no different. Last time I checked, Jesus was not hired through a temp agency, he was a full-time employee.
Go the extra mile - Devin