Happy Chanukah!
Sunday, December 25, 2016
Tuesday, November 11, 2014
Veterans Day. What does that mean to you? Some will say that it means a day off of work or school. Others complain that it means they will have to postpone that trip to the Post Office or bank. Still, others will look forward to special sales or discounts at stores and restaurants.
Looking at all these things that are associated with Veterans Day, I can't help but be a little sad. All these things just mentioned focus on us. These things focus on convenience or what we can get out of this day. Sure, there are programs on TV that focus on the men and women that served or are currently serving in the military. There are parades and special events that honor these ever-vigilant heroes. But somehow, there is still a distance; an almost surreal separation between those who served and those who are served. It's sad, but I have seen the uneasiness that some civilians have when they encounter either a person in uniform or clothing adorned with VFW, American Legion, POW/MIA, or other insignia. I've seen people look the other way when a wounded warrior enters the room. Oh, this day is a good day... that is until this day becomes too real.
I come from a family filled with those who served or are serving in the armed forces. Dad was a paratrooper in the Army as was his father who became a naturalized citizen of this country. My mother's side of the family had uncles and cousins who served in the Army, Navy, and Air Force. I have a niece who served in the Navy and a nephew who is an Army Ranger. My brother-in-law is a Reservist with the Army. Had it not been for a bad hip, I probably would have made my career with the Navy as well. That was my heart: to serve.
I've always taught my sons to show honor to those who serve this great country. To this day, we go out of our way to shake the hands and thank these brave heroes who have taken the oath to serve. My heart skips a beat every time my youngest renders a salute to show his gratitude. I know that it is in his heart to serve as well.
We enjoy much in this country. We have more freedoms than others beyond our borders. And when we complain about the inconvenience of a government office being closed or a shortened workweek, we can express our dissatisfaction. We can eat, shop, travel, study, and worship anywhere we want in this land because of the sacrifice that these unsung heroes have made. All gave some - some gave all. Let us learn gratefulness and have the courage to show that gratitude toward these proud and brave who continue to keep us free.
Thursday, September 11, 2008
We Remember...
When I was growing up, one of the big questions everyone asked each other was, "Where were you when you heard that JFK was shot?" Generations later, the big question is, "Where were you on 9/11?" Although it's seven 9/11's later, we all know WHICH 9/11 everyone is talking about.
In the fall of 2001, my husband, my youngest son (then 14 months old) and myself were driving to Milwaukee on the morning of what would be referred to as "9/11". I was preparing to minister at a Women Aglow meeting with music and my testimony when my husband got a call on his cell phone. Craig had taken the day off from work and I thought, "Oh no. There's a computer emergency at work and they're calling him in! I hope he can fix the problem remotely, because I would hate to cancel".
It was then that he hung up and turned to me and said, "Remember the Twin Towers in New York City? They're gone." I said, "What do you mean, 'They're gone'?" Looking a bit shaken, he replied, "There was an explosion. They're gone." Right away, I called up the contact person in Milwaukee to see if there might be a change of plans. She told me to come on ahead and that they were praying as we spoke.
When I arrived, I half expected fear and tears. It was almost surreal as the atmosphere in the banquet room where the meeting was scheduled was turned into a place of deep intercession. I felt like I was almost in automatic pilot mode as my husband and I began to set up our equipment in an unusually quiet way. Even our little boy was not the little chatterbox that he usually is. The message and the music was completely changed and completely Spirit-led. I can't tell you what I spoke about, but the time was spent in worship, prayer, intercession and extolling the mercy and goodness of G-d. Oh yes, there were tears and some fear, but the L-rd was in the midst of us and washed all of it away. It was a day I will never forget for as long as I live. It was a day that G-d threw His arms around us and strengthened our faith.
On that day and in the days following, the darkness of this terrible event began to be pierced with "pinpoints of light". Reports surfaced of heroism and self sacrifice that shone bright through the dark clouds of catastrophe. G-d was there. Though His sorrow was evident in the heart wrenching pictures and stories, His love was evident in a country of people who would not roll over and die. Patriotism was high and so were hands and voices in prayer. There is no apology for our reaction to this horrible tragedy. G-d and Country; we are still blessed.
Though the world will remember 9/11 for different reasons, 9/11 will remind me that no matter what the enemy does to us, G-d is still faithful.
In the fall of 2001, my husband, my youngest son (then 14 months old) and myself were driving to Milwaukee on the morning of what would be referred to as "9/11". I was preparing to minister at a Women Aglow meeting with music and my testimony when my husband got a call on his cell phone. Craig had taken the day off from work and I thought, "Oh no. There's a computer emergency at work and they're calling him in! I hope he can fix the problem remotely, because I would hate to cancel".
It was then that he hung up and turned to me and said, "Remember the Twin Towers in New York City? They're gone." I said, "What do you mean, 'They're gone'?" Looking a bit shaken, he replied, "There was an explosion. They're gone." Right away, I called up the contact person in Milwaukee to see if there might be a change of plans. She told me to come on ahead and that they were praying as we spoke.
When I arrived, I half expected fear and tears. It was almost surreal as the atmosphere in the banquet room where the meeting was scheduled was turned into a place of deep intercession. I felt like I was almost in automatic pilot mode as my husband and I began to set up our equipment in an unusually quiet way. Even our little boy was not the little chatterbox that he usually is. The message and the music was completely changed and completely Spirit-led. I can't tell you what I spoke about, but the time was spent in worship, prayer, intercession and extolling the mercy and goodness of G-d. Oh yes, there were tears and some fear, but the L-rd was in the midst of us and washed all of it away. It was a day I will never forget for as long as I live. It was a day that G-d threw His arms around us and strengthened our faith.
On that day and in the days following, the darkness of this terrible event began to be pierced with "pinpoints of light". Reports surfaced of heroism and self sacrifice that shone bright through the dark clouds of catastrophe. G-d was there. Though His sorrow was evident in the heart wrenching pictures and stories, His love was evident in a country of people who would not roll over and die. Patriotism was high and so were hands and voices in prayer. There is no apology for our reaction to this horrible tragedy. G-d and Country; we are still blessed.
Though the world will remember 9/11 for different reasons, 9/11 will remind me that no matter what the enemy does to us, G-d is still faithful.
PSALM 91:1
He that dwelleth in the secret place of the most High
shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty.
Shalom,
Alicia
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