I watched the report on our soldier who is being held captive by the Taliban in Afghanistan and my heart dropped. Here is a young man wearing the uniform of our country with his whole life ahead of him and he shared with all of us that he is afraid. I confess that I am also afraid for him, because of what his captors are like in practice.
Pfc Bowe Bergdahl has the same dreams that my 25, 19, and 11 year old children have. He wants to live, he wants to bask in this wonderful life, he wants to make money, he wants to raise a family. But more than anything he wants to see home again. Home is where we find our peace and acceptance. He wants to go home.
To my country's young soldier I want you to know that while it may not seem like it at the moment, you are not alone. God is a loving Father who cares for you as much as he cares for your captors. He knows well your current situation, I hope you reach out to Him and call to Him, because he always hears and he always answers.
I will lift you up in my daily prayers as well and beg my Father to bring you home to your family and friends. Be strong and have courage, Pfc Bowe Bergdahl. Please be comforted in the fact that I am not the only one lifting you up. I am not alone either, for we are many, and we are praying.
Ken_Garrett_LifeMoments - Searching for moments of grace that reveal God's activity around me.
Sunday, July 19, 2009
Sunday, May 17, 2009
An Ungrateful Man
I've returned from a trip to watch my son complete his final review at Texas A&M, where he has finished his second year as a cadet in the Corps. After watching the young men and women in uniforms march in review before officers, school officials and extremely proud parents and family; I am humbled at how blessed our nation is to have young men and women in today's college environment that choose to serve their country in uniform rather than pursue riches in industry. The young men and women in the Corps of Cadets are a minority at their university, roughly 2200 out of a population of 45000 or less than 5% choose to wear a uniform while attending class. Of that number around 150 each year will choose to commission in a service branch. After reading an article this morning about the most recent former vice-president, it struck me how there is a significant difference between many of the cadets and the former vice-president of our great country that for some reason many of them idolize.
As I listen to the former vice-president speak and defend some of the policies the previous administration condoned, I find I am becoming more convinced that he is no more than an ungrateful and hard hearted man. This man is blessed in many ways above what the average American has been blessed with. He is richer than 98% of our American population. He is a former CEO of one of our country's great corporations. He rose to the second highest office our nation has to offer. So, the question becomes where is the gratitude that should be overflowing in this man's life? I suspect that you will not be able to find it because there is none to be found. I suspect he believes he is entitled to evrything he has been blessed with. I suspect his heart is as hardened as the bunker he hid in during the uncertainty in the days following 9/11.
While thinking back on the final review, I was struck at how the former vice president is known as a hawk. Yet, during his time when he was the age of many of the cadet's I watched yesterday, he is one that we would not have seen marching in formation during his day. When our country called on him during Vietnam, he chose to exercise his deferments rather than pick up a weapon and go halfway around the world for our country. He was more content to let others do the fighting, because his education was more important than his country's call. By putting himself above country he was able to raise a family while it was others his age who paid the ultimate price. By putting himself above country, he was able to make money while standing on the sacrifice of many of his generation who did not come back from Vietnam. While putting himself above country, he was able to accomplish much, because he chose deferments rather than service.
Why else does he condone using torture on enemy combatants? We are an enlightened people and we should not revert to such actions no matter how much we may hate those who carried out the 9/11 massacre. America is above that, yet the former vice-president has helped to destroy our reputation in much of the world. His decision to speak out today, reminds me of why we are blessed to have them out of office.
Here is hoping that the current administration can repair our reputation in the world, while standing firm against those who will harm us. And here is hoping that all of the cadets I saw marching yesterday, who will go onto wear a uniform of our military after graduating will epitomize the vast gulf between them and the former vice-president, because they chose service over deferments. Because they chose service over material riches. Because they chose service over self, and I suspect that they will become grateful men and women in the years ahead because service is at the heart of why God created us.
As I listen to the former vice-president speak and defend some of the policies the previous administration condoned, I find I am becoming more convinced that he is no more than an ungrateful and hard hearted man. This man is blessed in many ways above what the average American has been blessed with. He is richer than 98% of our American population. He is a former CEO of one of our country's great corporations. He rose to the second highest office our nation has to offer. So, the question becomes where is the gratitude that should be overflowing in this man's life? I suspect that you will not be able to find it because there is none to be found. I suspect he believes he is entitled to evrything he has been blessed with. I suspect his heart is as hardened as the bunker he hid in during the uncertainty in the days following 9/11.
While thinking back on the final review, I was struck at how the former vice president is known as a hawk. Yet, during his time when he was the age of many of the cadet's I watched yesterday, he is one that we would not have seen marching in formation during his day. When our country called on him during Vietnam, he chose to exercise his deferments rather than pick up a weapon and go halfway around the world for our country. He was more content to let others do the fighting, because his education was more important than his country's call. By putting himself above country he was able to raise a family while it was others his age who paid the ultimate price. By putting himself above country, he was able to make money while standing on the sacrifice of many of his generation who did not come back from Vietnam. While putting himself above country, he was able to accomplish much, because he chose deferments rather than service.
Why else does he condone using torture on enemy combatants? We are an enlightened people and we should not revert to such actions no matter how much we may hate those who carried out the 9/11 massacre. America is above that, yet the former vice-president has helped to destroy our reputation in much of the world. His decision to speak out today, reminds me of why we are blessed to have them out of office.
Here is hoping that the current administration can repair our reputation in the world, while standing firm against those who will harm us. And here is hoping that all of the cadets I saw marching yesterday, who will go onto wear a uniform of our military after graduating will epitomize the vast gulf between them and the former vice-president, because they chose service over deferments. Because they chose service over material riches. Because they chose service over self, and I suspect that they will become grateful men and women in the years ahead because service is at the heart of why God created us.
Tuesday, April 21, 2009
Raise Your Sons in the Way They Should Go
This week the arrest of the suspected "Craig's List" killer highlights the ongoing violence that continues against women. This violence is perpetrated by weak, mediocre men. When is society going to say enough?
I believe that one cause of this violence is parents who do not train their sons to treat women with respect. As a dad to two sons, I can have an impact on that cause. I am sharing a "letter", I wrote to my sons when they were ready to start dating. I am not implying that they are angels by sharing this. I am suggesting that they had a clear understanding of where I stood when they were not in my presence while on a date. So, it comes back to the Proverb, Train up a child in the way he should go, and when he is old he will not depart from it, Proverbs 22:6. Let's change the way far too many men in this world treats women. Let's raise sons who know where we stand when they are not in our presence.
Crossing the Threshold
by Kenneth Garrett
My son, you entered this world crying, and seeking comfort,
You found it in your mother's arms.
You tasted the pleasure of another's caress, and briefly glimpsed love.
That first touch gave you a hunger, a hunger that only another soul can satisfy.
This hunger leads down a road to heartbreak; your mother's and mine.
You have begun the journey to cross your threshold.
To leave your mother and me behind, because this is a hunger we cannot sate.
It is a girl you are searching for, one whom you can share your life with,
One whom will provide you comfort, one whom will complete your soul.
Understand, I want you to have this I do, but before I will allow this,
You must show me you are ready to handle responsibility.
I choose to be hard, because the world is full of mediocre men.
And you are not to become such a man.
A higher bar is set for you, and mediocrity is not your destiny.
It will be easier for you to convince her parents to let you date their daughter,
Then you will have of convincing me you are ready.
This may appear harsh, but it is for your growth I require this.
For you must understand when you take her on a date,
She will be your responsibility, you will not be hers.
Such is the nature of manhood.
When you pick her up, you will be with her for a time,
Talking, laughing, dining, and courting.
But only for a time, for you must return her home safely to her parents.
When she is with you, she becomes the most important person in your life.
You must make sure she is comfortable, happy, and safe.
Her needs take precedence over yours. Her life becomes your reason for being.
Should the call arise, you must place yourself between her and danger.
She is your responsibility, you are not hers, that is manhood's nature.
It is not about fairness. It is simply the way it is.
Show me you are ready to accept this and I will step back and let you fly.
And I will stay behind mourning this threshold that you have crossed,
Where you will leave me for another.
Where your focus is forward to you journey, and not back at your family.
Fly high my son, I remain here watching you with pride.
Love,
Dad
I believe that one cause of this violence is parents who do not train their sons to treat women with respect. As a dad to two sons, I can have an impact on that cause. I am sharing a "letter", I wrote to my sons when they were ready to start dating. I am not implying that they are angels by sharing this. I am suggesting that they had a clear understanding of where I stood when they were not in my presence while on a date. So, it comes back to the Proverb, Train up a child in the way he should go, and when he is old he will not depart from it, Proverbs 22:6. Let's change the way far too many men in this world treats women. Let's raise sons who know where we stand when they are not in our presence.
Crossing the Threshold
by Kenneth Garrett
My son, you entered this world crying, and seeking comfort,
You found it in your mother's arms.
You tasted the pleasure of another's caress, and briefly glimpsed love.
That first touch gave you a hunger, a hunger that only another soul can satisfy.
This hunger leads down a road to heartbreak; your mother's and mine.
You have begun the journey to cross your threshold.
To leave your mother and me behind, because this is a hunger we cannot sate.
It is a girl you are searching for, one whom you can share your life with,
One whom will provide you comfort, one whom will complete your soul.
Understand, I want you to have this I do, but before I will allow this,
You must show me you are ready to handle responsibility.
I choose to be hard, because the world is full of mediocre men.
And you are not to become such a man.
A higher bar is set for you, and mediocrity is not your destiny.
It will be easier for you to convince her parents to let you date their daughter,
Then you will have of convincing me you are ready.
This may appear harsh, but it is for your growth I require this.
For you must understand when you take her on a date,
She will be your responsibility, you will not be hers.
Such is the nature of manhood.
When you pick her up, you will be with her for a time,
Talking, laughing, dining, and courting.
But only for a time, for you must return her home safely to her parents.
When she is with you, she becomes the most important person in your life.
You must make sure she is comfortable, happy, and safe.
Her needs take precedence over yours. Her life becomes your reason for being.
Should the call arise, you must place yourself between her and danger.
She is your responsibility, you are not hers, that is manhood's nature.
It is not about fairness. It is simply the way it is.
Show me you are ready to accept this and I will step back and let you fly.
And I will stay behind mourning this threshold that you have crossed,
Where you will leave me for another.
Where your focus is forward to you journey, and not back at your family.
Fly high my son, I remain here watching you with pride.
Love,
Dad
Friday, April 17, 2009
Book Covers
The story of Susan Boyle that is creating quite a buzz worldwide is inspiring, and is the trigger that caused me to begin this blog. I believe just about everyone knows her story of these past few days, (April 13 - April 17, 2009). She is a 47 year old lady, unmarried, unemployed, and never been kissed, who goes on the talent show, "Britain's Got Talent" and blows the audience away!
Now here's the thing. When she walked out on the stage, everyone had already determined that she was insignificant. Most of the audience, if not all, was looking forward to a good laugh when she started singing. The judges also expected that she was going to be laughed off the stage. She shared that her dream is to be a professional singer. When asked why that hadn't happened she replied I haven't been given a chance. I believe most conclusions formulated at that moment was I can "see" why you haven't been given a chance. Of course, when she sang that first note, everyone understood that Susan Boyle happens to be someone quite special. Her audition touched hearts worldwide. She is no longer anonymous. She has reminded the world, that a book cannot be judged by its cover. You have got to turn the pages or else you may reject something of value.
Her story reminds me of Samuel in the old testament. In the first book of Samuel, God told him to go to the house of Jesse and anoint the new king. When David's oldest brother, Eliab, walked out, Samuel was awestruck and believed Eliab was the one. God told him otherwise, as a matter of fact God told Samuel he rejected all 7 of David's older brothers. And then God revealed the difference between himself and man. He told Samuel "that man looks at the outward appearance, but He looks at the heart".
Miss Boyle's story leads me to conclude we still don't understand that we're not as discerning as we believe we are. Miss Boyle's dream was valid, she just didn't look the part. Her song was appropriate, "I Dreamed a Dream", and the last phrase, "and life has killed the dream I dreamed", sums up her life. But, her first note went through the cynicism in that auditorium like a hammer smashing porcelain. The reflection we viewed in the mirror afterward, showed us to be a people who would throw away a diamond, because it is covered in dirt. Wow! I wonder what other gems we would find, if we would only follow God's example and learn to focus on the heart?
Now here's the thing. When she walked out on the stage, everyone had already determined that she was insignificant. Most of the audience, if not all, was looking forward to a good laugh when she started singing. The judges also expected that she was going to be laughed off the stage. She shared that her dream is to be a professional singer. When asked why that hadn't happened she replied I haven't been given a chance. I believe most conclusions formulated at that moment was I can "see" why you haven't been given a chance. Of course, when she sang that first note, everyone understood that Susan Boyle happens to be someone quite special. Her audition touched hearts worldwide. She is no longer anonymous. She has reminded the world, that a book cannot be judged by its cover. You have got to turn the pages or else you may reject something of value.
Her story reminds me of Samuel in the old testament. In the first book of Samuel, God told him to go to the house of Jesse and anoint the new king. When David's oldest brother, Eliab, walked out, Samuel was awestruck and believed Eliab was the one. God told him otherwise, as a matter of fact God told Samuel he rejected all 7 of David's older brothers. And then God revealed the difference between himself and man. He told Samuel "that man looks at the outward appearance, but He looks at the heart".
Miss Boyle's story leads me to conclude we still don't understand that we're not as discerning as we believe we are. Miss Boyle's dream was valid, she just didn't look the part. Her song was appropriate, "I Dreamed a Dream", and the last phrase, "and life has killed the dream I dreamed", sums up her life. But, her first note went through the cynicism in that auditorium like a hammer smashing porcelain. The reflection we viewed in the mirror afterward, showed us to be a people who would throw away a diamond, because it is covered in dirt. Wow! I wonder what other gems we would find, if we would only follow God's example and learn to focus on the heart?
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