Proud to be an American

Yesterday at church the pastor asked for those who served in the United States military, past and present to stand up. I think it was about a third of our congregation! He then had each give their name and their branch of service and when they served. 

There have been times that I missed my life in Africa and there will be more in the future I'm sure. But yesterday and today I am full of emotion and gratitude for being an American. Sometimes we get caught up in the current apathy or disagreement with how things are currently done in America but yesterday as they went from person to person,  and they shared their branch (army, navy, air force, marines, and reserves) and war or years they served (WWII, Korean, Vietnam, Cuban missile, Desert Storm, active reserve) the Lord just impressed upon me how blessed I am. Today as I see posts online and items in the news, as I see the flags waving at my dad's cemetery and other places, parades and people wearing red, white and blue, I pray that America will remember to be United. I pray that we will support each other and love each other even when we disagree and remember our past. I pray that we all look toward the face of God and recognize how truly blessed we are. 

It is in our unity that He has made us strong.

I feel America has lost sight of it's blessing because we continually focus on the faults not the strengths. I watched Mom's Night Out last night (hysterical and not necessarily patriotic) but the line about God didn't make a mistake in making you. Each of us are made for a purpose. If we unite in encouraging that in each other what a glorious strong nation we will be.

I am proud to be an American! I am blessed by God to be here and to remember all that He has done for me and His sacrifice! I am also deeply thankful for those who have protected and served in every branch of our armed forces! Thank you being willing to give your life for mine!