IN DEBT

Yesterday, at church, we had a patriotic service due to the upcoming July 4th. It was very inspiring to me, in many ways. At this time, we do not have a minister of music on staff. We have a terrific man who is a professor of music at Florida Baptist College who is our interim. He is very gifted in music selection and presentation. Yesterday, the choir sang several selections, and we had the pledges to the American and the Christian flags. But, the most moving to me was when the choir sang a medley of the 5 different branches of service: Army, Navy, Marines, Air Force, and Coast Guard. As they sang the official song of each branch, the men who served in that area stood. The congregation just burst into applause as each group stood. My dad was there, and he stood with the Navy. But, as I looked at all these men, so many of them in their 50s, 60s, 70, and 80s...I realized what we take for granted so much of the time. These men were willing to give it all to protect what I enjoy today. When I looked at some of these elderly gentlemen, it was hard to imagine they were ever young boys going off to war, just like the young men who go today. And they each had family that worried and prayed till they came home, as do the families today. I just had to acknowlege that I appreciate the sacrifices made on the country's behalf by each of these men. I honor them with my thanks and admiration and I thank God that He still places in young men today the same sense of loyalty to God and country.

I mentioned this at lunch of Sunday with friends, and they said that we had done this before at our church. I do not remember. Either I was not there, or my heart was not open to recieve the message. Whatever, it made a terrific impact on me yesterday, and I will not forget.