Friendly Fire!

At my Dad’s funeral, we were privileged to have the military at the grave site presenting TAPS. It was perhaps one of the most moving experiences I have had. The rendition of TAPS by the bugle, along with the solemn presentation of the American Flag to my oldest son Timothy (who is also a veteran) left a memory I will never forget. It also sparked to my remembrance the honor that it was for my Dad, as an African American to be able to serve in the United States Military during World War II as a general mechanic. Certainly the favor of God was upon his life, even then.

Today this nation sets aside this day to honor the many brave men and women who have given their life for the freedom we experience in this country. Sadly I hear so many today who don’t understand that war is a part of life – fighting for dominance is not just about gaining the territory of another, sometimes it is protecting yourself against the invasion of those who are opposed to the way that you live, and the God that you serve. Because I try to avoid political discussions in this venue – I will not continue with that – only to say that I honor the military of this country – I honor the young men and women who daily face the potential of losing their life because they are fighting for a just cause. And I certainly honor the many veterans who came before them – a lineage of courage and conviction, a legacy of honorable service to their country, who have kept the American flag flying high over the land of the free and the home of the brave, and continues to be a beacon of light to the free world!

Today I also want to remind you that if you will, to pray for our children and particularly our youth! Too many are falling victim to the war that is ravaging on the streets of our city. Too many are caught in the crossfires of what would be “friendly fire” if indeed a war was pronounced on our land. For indeed we have those whose intent is to kill, and they are murderers, and then we have those who because of a twisted belief that they have no choice but to fight – that engage in conflict that kills the innocent, often their own friends and relatives – not due to their intent – but as a consequence of the violence that is a part of our neighborhoods.

We MUST come against this violence – we must come against this war being fought on the streets of our cities – which is not a just cause – which is a reaction to the pain and the degradation that comes as a result of an impoverished life – impoverished not just because of a lack of money, but also a lack of family. If we fail to aggressively “pursue to recover all” – we will be as those allowing weapons of destruction to victimize our young and be a part of friendly fire!

“For though we walk in the flesh, we do not war after the flesh;
For the weapons of our God are not carnal, but are mighty through God, pulling down strongholds and casting down imaginations and every high thing that exalts itself against the knowledge of God….”2 Corinthians 10:3-5

We are armed, and we are dangerous to the forces of darkness that seek to take out our youth!

Kairos,

Maria