Saturday, February 26, 2011

Pray for our Miliatry Members and Wear Red on Fridays!

Hi Everyone~

I just received something in my email.  I do not know who wrote it, but it is
very moving!  I have something to say about it before it is shared. I don't care what your party affiliation is when it comes to this.  It's not about that.  Also, I hate war.  All war.  I can't believe that people have not come up with a way to solve disputes without killing or harming each other! 

On the other hand, I am very grateful for the men and women who serve our  country.  In fact, on our last trip to Maryland, we found out that one of our nephews has enlisted with the Navy. This really surprised me.  That is not why I share this now...but it makes things much more close to home, if you will.  I believe that our members of the military do not get the honor that our former soldiers, from previous wars received.  Where are the ticker tape parades?  Where are people lined up to volunteer?  Why are so many homeless upon return?  Why  do they not get the treatment they need?  After what they see, and go through in war...I think it should be mandatory that they all receive some therapy to vent in a safe environment.  I see that as a sign of strength...not weakness.  I do know that there is a way for card makers to send cards for the soldiers to use to send to their loved ones.  If you are interested in that, please let me know, and I will get the info out to you.  Or you could look on the home page at SplitCoastStampers and it is there, also.

The spouses and children of soldiers are having a difficult time of things because their loved ones are serving several times in a row in Afghanistan, and previously in Iraq.  All I ask is that we pray for all concerned...the other people on the other side of the war, also.  They are people. God's creatures. They may be God's children.  And, that when possible, buy the groceries or a cup of coffee for the spouse of a soldier or the soldier.  Maybe make a cake and coffee, invite them over for a BBQ and let them do most of the talking.

Here is the story that is being passed around the country:  Grab a tissue.

Will You give this to my Daddy?
Support Red Fridays!
"Last week I was in Atlanta , Georgia attending a conference. While I was in
the airport, returning home, I heard several people behind me beginning to clap and cheer. I immediately turned around and witnessed One of the greatest acts of patriotism I have ever seen.

Moving thru the terminal was a group of soldiers in their camos. As they
began heading to their gate, everyone (well almost everyone) was abruptly to their feet with their hands waving and cheering.

When I saw the soldiers, probably 30-40 of them, being applauded and Cheered for, it hit me. I'm not alone. I'm not the only red-blooded American who still loves this country and supports our troops and their families.

Of course I immediately stopped and began clapping for these young unsung
heroes who are putting their lives on the line everyday for us so we can go to school, work and home without fear or reprisal.

Just when I thought I could not be more proud of my country or of our Service men and women, a young girl, not more than 6 or 7 years old ran up to one of the male soldiers. He kneeled down and said 'hi...'

The little girl then asked him if he would give something to her daddy for her...
The young soldier, who didn't look any older than maybe 22 himself, said he
would try and what did she want to give to her daddy. Then suddenly the little girl grabbed the neck of this soldier, gave him the biggest hug she could muster and then kissed him on the cheek.

The mother of the little girl, who said her daughter's name was Courtney, told the young soldier that her husband was a Marine and had been in Iraq for 11 months now. As the mom was explaining how much her daughter Courtney missed her father, the young soldier began to tear up.

When this temporarily single mom was done explaining her situation, all of
the soldiers huddled together for a brief second... Then one of the other servicemen pulled out a military-looking walkie-talkie. They started playing with the device and talking back and forth on it...

After about 10-15 seconds of this, the young soldier walked back over to
Courtney, bent down and said this to her, 'I spoke to your daddy and he told me to give this to you.' He then hugged this little girl that he had just met and gave her a kiss on the cheek. He finished by saying 'your daddy told me to tell you that he loves you more than anything and he is coming home very soon.'

The mom at this point was crying almost uncontrollably and as the young
soldier stood to his feet, he saluted Courtney and her mom. I was standing no more than 6 feet away from this entire event.

As the soldiers began to leave, heading towards their gate, people resumed
their applause. As I stood there applauding and looked around, there were very few dry eyes, including my own. That young soldier in one last act of selflessness turned around and blew a kiss to Courtney with a tear rolling down his cheek.

We need to remember everyday all of our soldiers and their families and
thank God for them and their sacrifices. At the end of the day, it's good to be an American.

RED FRIDAYS ----- Very soon, you will see a great many people wearing red every Friday. The reason? Americans who support our troops used to be called the 'silent majority'. We are no longer silent, and are voicing our love for God, country and home in record breaking numbers.

Our idea of showing solidarity and support for our troops with dignity and
respect starts this Friday - and continues each and every Friday until the troops all come home, sending a deafening message that.. Every red-blooded American who supports our men and women afar will wear something red (This is Traci-- You may not like what they need to do...but we can support them as people anyway.  There can be a difference!)

By word of mouth, press, TV -- let's make the United States on every Friday
a sea of red much like a homecoming football game in the bleachers.  If every one of us who loves this country will share this with acquaintances, co-workers, friends, and family. It will not be long before the USA is covered in RED.

The first thing a soldier says when asked 'What can we do to make things better for you?' is.....We need your support and your prayers.  Let's get the word out and lead with class and dignity, by example."

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If you have a service person in your family or a friend, and you would like for us to pray for them, please leave their initials, or just their first name and branch. God knows who they are.  We would be honored to pray for them...and their families.  Please...do not post their hometown.  Or last name.  It is to protect their privacy. 

In addition, we would be happy to pray for any other prayer requests.  Again, please do not give out too much information...the person may not want a bunch of people knowing their business.  (Especially if they are not yet Christian.)

Remember please...
He IS Able,
Traci S.

1 comment:

  1. Great post!
    I have three nephews in the Middle East and one in the USA. I have been wearing red on Fridays for about 6 years. I pray daily for the safety of all service personnel. I have a long family history of service to our country starting in WWI. I know first hand the sacrifices their families make. Please post your prayer needs.

    ReplyDelete

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