I came home and flew my flag . . .
My friend Faith Sarver wrote this yesterday. She is a thoughtful person, and until yesterday, I didn't know what a good writer she is. I asked her permission to share this essay thought.
Wednesday, August 16, 2006
I came home and flew my flag.
"The front page of today’s local newspaper carried an article titled “A hero’s farewell”. A full military service was being held for a local soldier killed in Iraq. Thirty year old Staff Sgt. Clint Joseph Storey had given the ultimate sacrifice for his country – his life.
My heart had been sadden for several days as I had followed the story of this family’s loss. At the end of today’s article I noticed that the church in Kansas who travels our country protesting at the funerals of our fallen military personnel was going to be in town. I made a mental note to avoid that street. I should have made myself a big sticky note to wear.
I was following my normal morning errand route. I approached the intersection and turned, realizing too late that I had driven to the protest spot. A neon poster board sign reading “God Hates Fags” confronted me. My Spirit immediately became broken hearted. I have not felt such heaviness in a long time. I focused my eyes straight ahead, but was not able to ignore the counter protesters on the other side of the street or the police and highway patrol men stationed along the road.
My thoughts raced in my head. God hates fags? Really? My Bible tells me God hates sin, not sinners. Somehow, their message did not seem to be the “good news” Jesus called us to share. “For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believes in Him shall not perish, but have eternal life” (John 3:16). “Whosoever” means even those who hate – grace is extended even to them. I could not manage anger, only broken heartedness at their message.
My thoughts went to the family of this soldier. His life was given for the right of all Americans to lawfully protest. Even for those who would use his death to spread hate.
I thought of how fortunate this family was to be able to bury their beloved with military honors. Not all of our fallen heroes have had this privilege. Veterans of other wars and conflicts have been flown home in the middle of the night to avoid confrontations with protesters in airports and cities.
I thought of my husband’s young cousin who is completing one of his training stations to become a Navy Seal. His willingness to serve at this time makes me feel honored to know him. Our thoughts and prayers are continually with him and his family.
My attention was turned to the several flags being flown downtown and in our neighborhoods. As I returned to the office I noticed more than normal on display. It was a reminder of freedom. Freedom of religion, freedom of speech, freedom of the right to assemble……freedoms enjoyed by few other people in the world.
I came home and I flew my flag."
Faith Sarver
posted by the sojourning pilgrim @ 2:36 PM
1 Comments:
We really do need to get her to write for the Universe Blog sometime!
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