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Photo from Hacksawridge.movie/ 2016 |
Last night we got together with some friends and
watched Hacksaw Ridge. Have you seen
it? You should. In this day and age, where we are seeing division,
hatred and selfishness flood our social media feed, we need to be reminded of
selflessness by stories like this one. Stories where people are willing to place their
very lives on the line for others.
We live in a time where entitlement clouds our view of
the big picture. We think we are owed
something. We believe that we deserve so
much more than what we have been given.
We can really be selfish.
Do you realize there is nothing about any of us that
deserves the right to open our eyes each morning? Not a one of us offers such great
contribution to this world that deems us worthy to be here. None of us.
Each morning that we are allowed another breath is a gift. It means we have a purpose. It means there is something left for us to
do. Something good. But we are too blind, too self-centered to
see it.
For me, I see it (and this is clearly one of a thousand examples) when I think of the behavior of those celebrity sports
figures who refuse to stand for the National Anthem. It is in those moments
that I am quickly reminded of the “lostness” of this world. Yes, men have fought for their freedom to
choose whether to stand for that flag but while they make their millions and
play their games, men have given their lives.
They have sacrificed EVERYTHING so that these men can put on their
little outfits and chase a ball.
It hurts my heart so much to see the selfishness that
exists today. To know that my kids are
growing up in a day and age where people celebrate this kind of behavior. Behavior that lacks integrity and
respect. Behavior that shines light on
entitlement instead of sacrifice. There are days when I wish that each of those
who choose this behavior would have to stand on the front lines of a war. To look the enemy in the eye where men who
believe so much in the freedoms of this country and the protection of its
people are willing to give their lives for it.
We have watched our country crumble over the last
decade. And sadly, it will continue to do so until people choose what is
right. To choose what is good. To choose to be a people who put those around
them first. To love those around
them. To serve and care for others,
FIRST. Until that happens, we will
continue to watch this country suffer from things such as discrimination,
hatred, racial division, poverty, and the list goes on. America can be great again but it won’t come
at the hands of a man sitting in a white house.
It has to be a choice that every individual will make to put their
selfishness aside, and to love their neighbor as themselves.
“Then if my people who are called by my name will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, I will hear from heaven and will forgive their sins and restore their land.”
2 Chronicles 7:14
http://www.hacksawridge.movie/
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