Recently, there was a great-not to mention accurate-article written by Kevin O'Brien of the Plain Dealer. As one pages below, you'll find a post written by "Taliban4u".  The type of hateful rhetoric used by Taliban4u is something that we, as Americans, must start speaking out about.  Because if we don't, by our silence we endorse it.

So here is my response:

Dear Taliban4u,

The fact that you would even take that name tells us quite a bit about you. How could you even want to be, in any way, associated with those who murdered over 3,000 innocent men, women and children on September 11th?

Secondly, as a devout, Evangelical Christian, let me address your comments: “THEY (I assume here you mean “the Jews” ARE HATED BY THE ENTIRE WORLD, FIRST 4 KILLING OUR GREATLY BELOVED JESUS CHRIST, GOD BLESS HIS HEART AND SOLE, THEY KILLED HIM!!!! ) "

Christians do not hold those of Jewish faith responsible for Christ’s crucifixion. Jesus died, and rose again, by His own choice. He chose that path because He loved us-and He wanted us to have the chance to be redeemed. To spend all of eternity in Heaven. He paid the price for our sins-so that we wouldn’t have to. And, in fact, one of the last things Jesus asked of our Father in Heaven was that God forgive those who were crucifying Him. And Jesus forgave them, just as He forgives us our sins today.

I am no Biblical scholar, but I can tell you that those of Jewish faith hold a very special place in God’s heart. They always have. They were, are, and always will be God’s Chosen People-and God loves them in a very unique and special way. God always will.

As for the suffering of the Palestinian people, there you have my sympathy and my prayers, as do they. But there is only one way out and one answer: If the Palestinians want peace then they must stop killing innocent civilians; and they must elect a government whose stated purpose is not the destruction of Israel. And their leaders must refrain from making statements such as these:

“Hamas Leader Says Revenge Will Include Killing Jewish Children Anywhere In The World”-From Times On Line:

Anti-Israeli Protesters: “Go back to the oven," she shouted, calling for the counter-protesters to die in the manner that the Nazis used to exterminate Jews during the Holocaust. "You need a big oven, that's what you need," she yelled.”-From Fox News

 

If the Palestinian people truly want peace-then they must begin by dealing with their own hatred-and acknowledging their own responsibility in this mess. I know that there are some of Muslim faith who genuinely wish peace. But they have been too few-and they have been too silent.

When, and if, those Muslims who wish peace, whether they are in Palestine or in the United States, truly begin to take a stand against the suicide bombings and the killing of innocent families and their children-you will find that Americans will be ready and willing to listen.

So, if you genuinely want peace. Change your user name and change your rhetoric. And ask God to change your heart. Because no permanent peace can be found or made between hearts that are filled with hatred.

But make no mistake-Palestine has only two options: Peace or Defeat. It's their choice. I hope and pray they choose wisely.

And if we are honest, than we will admit that if rockets were continually being fired into our country, our response would be even more aggressive.  Not only should we support Israel’s right to self defense, we should also make it clear that, if necessary, we will join in their efforts.

After WWII, our world was overcome by grief - and by guilt.  Because our world did not act in time, millions died in camps such as Auschwitz and millions more suffered.  After WWII, many of these courageous survivors moved to Israel and we promised them:  “Never Again!“  Since that time countless innocent men, women and children have been killed by suicide bombers and rockets that have continued to fire into Israel.  And while the biggest concern for many in our country has been the economy, the biggest concern for families in Israel is whether or not they will survive.

Ever since WWII, historians have asked, “How could an entire nation allow the mass murder of millions of people simply because of their faith?”  The answer is that with each act of violence against those of Jewish faith, the Nazis were testing the moral fortitude of the German people and they found it - lacking.   And as the Nazi acts of aggression escalated, the German people's failure to act gave the Nazis what they needed:  permission to continue with their planned mass murders.

The same process is occurring today in the Middle East.  Radical Muslims are attacking those of Jewish faith in Israel.  Their crime?  They are Jewish.  And sadly, Radical Islam is finding that the same truth exists today, as it did then:  our world is lacking the moral fortitude necessary to do what is right.   But it is not too late.

America was founded by men and women of great faith and great courage.  It has continued to survive and flourish through the selfless sacrifice of many and our willingness to care more for the needs of others than we do for our own.  And while it’s true that to date, we have failed to act; we still have a chance to do so -before it‘s too late.  We can do now, what we should have done then.  The world waits to see what we will do.  Those who survived camps such as Auschwitz wait to see if we will - finally - keep our promise of “Never Again”.  And our children wait to see if their future will hold the promise of peace or if they will be forced to endure the consequences of our refusal to prevent not only another Holocaust, but another world war as well.

This song was such a poignant reminder to me this Christmas of how our peace must rest in Jesus, that I wanted to share it (Use this link: Casting Crowns). 

There can be no doubt that we live in difficult times, but it has always been said that “in this world you will have troubles”.  But Jesus also said that He “would overcome”.  And He has.  For no matter what challenges we face in this world, the greatest battle of all-has already been won.  

For no matter what happens on this earth- when our time here is done-  we will live forever in Heaven with the King of all Kings.  And our home in Heaven will be filled with a joy so pure and a love so complete, it’s difficult for us to even imagine.  But thanks to Jesus’ great love for us and His sacrifice, Heaven awaits us, not just for a time, but for all of eternity.  So no matter your circumstances, take heart.  God is still God and Jesus is coming back-for all of us.  Be ready.

Merry Christmas. 

And may this New Year bring you a faith that will light up your life-for now, and for always.

- Theresa Fleming

Reading about September 11th,  one can’t help but remember just how difficult that time was.  Thousands died and millions suffered.  But while it was one of our nation’s darkest hours, out of this great tragedy emerged the great goodness of the American people.  In the days that followed, millions of families gathered around  their kitchen tables to talk and to pray;  reconnecting and recommitting to all that they held dear.  Millions volunteered both their time and money.  Churches were filled to overflowing and a spirit of faith was reborn in our country that had not been seen in a very long time.  And we became, once again, “One Nation Under God”.  But where is that faith now?

In many schools in our country, they don’t start their day with the Pledge of Allegiance for fear of “offending” someone with the use of the phrase, “One Nation Under God”.  Pornography and strip clubs have somehow become “freedom of speech” issues, and yet Pastors who dare to speak on the moral issues of our time are often threatened with legal action.   Where is the freedom of speech for those who serve the Lord?   Consumed with worry over issues such as the economy, we have sometimes allowed ourselves to forget that it is not the “treasures” of this world we must worry about-but of the next.   

Without a doubt, our country has seen some very tough times.  But what has always brought Americans together, what has given us the courage and strength to face the tough times and the terrible tragedies that sometimes occur, is faith.   Faith in God, faith in each other, and faith in the values and traditions that have so well stood the test of time. For it is these three-Faith, Family and Freedom-that have made us what we have always been:  “The land of the free and home of the brave”.

Family, faith and freedom are the foundation upon which this country has been built and they are the reasons for its enduring success.  It is these core beliefs that have become the very heart of the American spirit.  And it is these beliefs and values, along with the courageous service and sacrifice of so many, that has made America the kind of country that millions all over the world wish to come to, and millions thank God every day to be a part of. Having the courage and taking time to honor God’s place in our country and our country’s history doesn’t take away from the fact that we also care deeply about other important issues such as national security, the economy, education, health care and social security.  Throughout our country's history, we have faced many such challenges, but because our country has been built upon a foundation of faith, family, and freedom; and blessed with people who care far more about the welfare of others than they do for themselves, we have always managed to find solutions to the challenges that we face.  And that's why, if we hope to find solutions to the challenges that we face both today and in the future, we must work together to preserve and protect the values and traditions that have served us so well in the past. As for those who would remove God from our Pledge of Allegiance and from our country and our country’s history.  Although there are a few people who would like to remove God from every facet of our society, the vast majority of Americans do believe in God.  God has always been a part of our country, and our country's history and culture. God is in the Declaration of Independence, The Star Spangled Banner, The Gettysburg Address, and on every single dollar bill. God was there on the day so many gave their lives fighting so that we might be free and He was there the day the Declaration of Independence was signed.   God was there the day our  boys stormed the beaches of Normandy and He was there the day the Twin Towers came down. Without a doubt, our country has seen some very difficult times, and yet we have always been able to find a way to stand together in times of need, as one people, “One Nation Under God”, to meet the challenges that we faced.   And what has always brought Americans together, what has given us the courage and strength to face the tough times and the terrible tragedies that sometimes occur in our world, is Faith.    Faith in God, Faith in Each Other, Faith in the Values and Traditions that have so well stood the test of time.  And that’s exactly why, as Moms, we do feel that the faith and character of Presidential and Congressional candidates matter.  And, in fact, it matters more than any other issue.   For if a man or women wishes to lead this nation, they must first be able to show the American people that they understand and support the American values and traditions that have for so long stood the test of time and that they are as committed as we are to ensuring that America remains what it has always been-"the land of the free and home of the brave".

One has only to pick up a newspaper to realize that times are indeed very difficult.  With gas prices out of control and food prices rising, many families are struggling to make ends meet.  And many have even lost their homes.  With no end in site, the world as we know it has changed once again.

But as much as we worry about the changes that are occurring, the one thing that does not change is God’s steadfast love for us.  While the challenges we face may indeed be difficult, the answer to meeting those challenges  is the same as it has been since the beginning of time.  Faith.  Faith in God and faith in each other.  For as a great writer once said, “the hope for our world lies in the power of God working through the hearts of people”.   And that hope can be seen each and every day. 

It’s in  the kindness of our neighbors; it’s in the many people who bring food to the food banks to help make sure other s have enough to eat.  It exists in the devotion of the men and women who serve in our churches, or as doctors and teachers.  It can be seen in those who selflessly  risk their lives by serving in our armed forces and in our police and fire departments.  It exists in the smile that comes your way from someone at work and in the kind words of a stranger you just met.  It exists in all the moms and dads who work so hard every day to give their children the best life they can and it exists in the hearts of our children who we love so much.  There is hope for our world.  It is, where it has always been-in the “power of God working through the hearts of people”, and it is in our willingness to “love our neighbor”. 

In God We Trust,

Theresa Fleming

Editorial By Theresa Fleming

Since the founding of our country, over one million men and women have given their lives serving in our armed forces so that we might be safe and free.  President John F. Kennedy once said, "the cost of freedom is high, but Americans have always paid it".  And he was right.  America is, and has continued to be, the "Home of the Brave and Land of the Free", because we have always been blessed with people who care far more about the welfare of others than they do for themselves. 

We need to remember to thank them, and that is why I want to share with each of you a story about a Marine that my little girl and I met while shopping at the grocery store.  He touched our hearts, as I am sure he has touched the hearts of many-and saved their lives as well. 

We met this Marine as we stood in the aisle trying to find some fun foods to send to a friend who was also serving in the Marines in Iraq and we started talking about the war. He told me that he had also served in a war; he had served in Vietnam.  I thanked him for his service, for being willing to risk his life so that our children might live safe, and free.  And this brave, strong man, started to cry.   He was so deeply touched that someone would thank him, would appreciate what he had done.

As we stood there in the grocery aisle, he told me of how his father had served before him and how his two sons now currently served.  And he beamed with pride as he told me of the picture that hung above his mantel of his two sons in uniform.  And when he spoke of his family’s tradition of “Answering Our Nation’s Call”, he brought tears to my eyes as well.  This man, this family, is one of so many.  And we are so privileged to have so many men and women who willing to risk their lives, and who so often must live with the scars of war, so that we might remain safe and free.  And it struck me that if just a few words of thank you could touch this veteran so deeply, then we must not be saying thank you, nearly enough.

As we said good-bye, he wished me a “Blessed day”, and indeed it was.  Because I truly felt blessed to have met this man, a man of faith and a veteran of war.   And I will never forget his sacrifice, or the sacrifices made by the countless men and women currently serving in Iraq.  May God bless them and keep them safe. 

And as we celebrate our country's freedom this July 4th, may we keep each of these brave men and women in our prayers, and remember to thank them when they come home.  

Any May God Bless This Great Country and Keep It Safe...

This Memorial Day-Please Remember-Support Our Troops

Lizzie Palmer created this video in honor of those who have served our country.  It is an amazing reminder of who these men and women really are and how much they sacrifice.  Please, take a moment and meet some of those who are serving our country in the armed forces.  Take a minute to remember.  And then, please, take a moment to say a prayer for each and every one of them, and then say a prayer of thanks that we have been blessed with so many men and women who are willing to so selflessly and courageously serve our country.  (Please give the video a moment to load)

 Link: I need to know - Do You Remember Me?

 

In close, I want to share with you what one marine, Cam Beck, wrote about the Marine’s motto:
 

“For my family, Semper Fidelis is more than a fancy slogan. It is truly a way of life.”  And if you know anything about the Marines, you know that he is right.  And certainly this marine would know, for his father retired from the Marine Corps in the 90s, after serving over twenty years and more than one tour of duty in a combat zone.  In addition, he and his two brothers also joined the Marines.  He went on to explain in his article what the Marine motto Semper Fidelis means.  He said it means,  

“Always Faithful”.   

“It isn't "Sometimes Faithful." 

“Nor is it "Usually Faithful,- but always”. 

“It is not negotiable.” 

“It is not relative, but absolute.”. 

The Marines,  and all of those who are risking their lives each and every day have been faithful to their mission of protecting us.  We sent them.  They went.  And many of them have paid with their lives.  Even worse, there have been news reports of soldiers being brutally tortured and killed.  But still they go.  Because they are Always Faithful. 

Now it’s our turn.   So this Memorial Day, say a prayer for someone serving; send a package, reach out to someone who is serving or someone who has just returned home from overseas.  But whatever you choose, find a way-to say Thank You.

In God We Trust,

Theresa Fleming