Second Thoughts – On Burning Flags - Freedom Never Cries

Greetings Dear Reader,

Sometimes I will end the day with thoughts that are important to get out.  Usually I just write them and put them in my journal folder.  I have chosen that on occasion I will share them with you Dear Reader.

I get that there are people unhappy with the election results from Tuesday.  I understand that we have waned in our capacity as a society to be “good losers”.  I even understand that on both sides of the political spectrum there are extremes.  I am, however, ashamed of the behavior of some of those “protesting” the outcome of the election.

I did not want this man to be president.  I cannot support his views on some things.  That, however, is not a good reason to be violent, harsh, or even a poor loser.  I realize there is fear over what may happen.  I also realize that acting out of fear is rarely wise.  It broke my heart to hear my friend Penny lament what she was seeing.   It gave me tears to think of the veterans who have lost so much to protect what the United States stands for at its foundation.

The Washing Post reported that students at American University burned the American Flag in protest of the result of our democratic process.   Is there anyone out there who sees how useless and dishonorable this is.  That flag covers so many things.  It is the sacred symbol of honor draped over the casket of every solider that dies protecting your freedom to burn it.  It is the symbol of a land that does stand for freedom and liberty. 

We may have issues.  We do have things to fix.   Hatred and anger on either side will not heal anything.  We could band together and demand that all the problems in the bureaucracy of government be solved.   We could decide to be good to each other no matter what our politics or social views. 

Pulling a man out of his car and beating him because he voted for someone dishonors everything we believe about freedom.  Disrespecting anyone for politics is foolishness.  We could spend our energy working for the needs of those around us.  We could fight the fear and potential danger by remembering that the Government serves us and hold it accountable to do so. 

Instead I see people acting as if they are entitled to bad behavior because they are afraid or angry.  If we are to rise above this turmoil, we need to be good to each other.  Tolerance needs to be an action of grace and kindness and not a political viewpoint.  Our president, no matter who he is, would have to listen to the people were they to unite and fight for the things with matter instead of fighting each other. 

When we burn our own flag we harm our society.  We insult the men and women who give their lives to defend it.  It is legal because we have laws that allow real freedom.  We can protest and even act like petulant children because we are a free society.  Imagine in a true fascist state the consequences of protesting an election.  All things are lawful but all things are not expedient.  

Freedom Never Cries – Five for Fighting

I took a flag to a pawn shop

For a broken guitar

I took a flag to a pawn shop

How much is that guitar

I took a flag to a pawn shop

I got me that guitar

What's a flag in a pawn shop to me?

I saw a man on the TV

In a mask with a gun

A man on the TV

He had a ten year old son

I saw a man on the TV

His son had a gun

And he says that he's coming for me

I never loved the soldier until there was a war

Or thought about tomorrow

Until my baby hit the floor

I only talk to God when somebody's about to die

I never cherished freedom

Freedom never cries

I wrote a song for a dead man

To settle my soul

A song for a dead man

And now I'll never grow old

I wrote a song for a dead man

Now I'm out in the cold

What's a song to a dead man to me?

I never loved the soldier until there was a war

Or thought about tomorrow

Until my baby hit the floor

I only talk to God when somebody's about to die

I never cherished freedom

Freedom never cries

You can cry for her

Die for her

Lay down your life for her

Kiss and wave goodbye to her

Anything at all

You can cry for her

Die for her

Make up your mind to her

Anything at all, oh

There's a baby on the doorstep

Wailing away

There's a baby on the doorstep

Longing for the day

There's a baby on the doorstep

Who'd give his life to take

A flag to a pawn shop

A flag to a pawn shop

May he forget why he is crying some day

Wishing you joy in the journey,

Aramis Thorn

Mat 13:52 So Jesus said to them, "That is why every writer who has become a disciple of Christ’s rule of the universe is like a home owner. He liberally hands out new and old things from his great treasure store.”

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A Season of Gratitude – Sovereignty

Greetings Dear Reader,

My Son, Maxim worked hard this political season for the results he wanted.  My Brother worked hard for the outcome he desired and is disappointed.   I can see my friends both weeping and celebrating on social media.

Today I am thankful that even though we cast our votes it is God who appoints leaders.  It is God who takes them down.  People who share my faith know this.  I hope that today they remember it and live it.

Those who cheer the outcome must do so with humility, kindness, and grace.  Those who mourn must do so believing that the Father knows what he is doing.  I read how devastated my friend Mary was.   I prayed for her.  I saw how hurt my friend Kelly is.  I offer my thoughts to comfort her.

You see it not who is in the White House that matters.  It is what we do in response to it.  I do not blame or condemn anyone.  I wrote weeks ago that I thought neither candidate was fit to represent us.  I am saddened that we have not grown beyond our differences to be a people who care for the needs of others over our own agendas.

I remind all of my friends of this, “… if my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves, pray, search for me, and turn from their evil ways, then I will hear their prayer from heaven, forgive their sins, and heal their country.”

Today I am thankful for the truth that the Father has all things in hand.   He will use this and all things that unfold to bring things back to good.  Be good to each other Dear Reader.  Be kind and tenderhearted. 

Wishing you joy in the journey,

Aramis Thorn

Mat 13:52 So Jesus said to them, "That is why every writer who has become a disciple of Christ’s rule of the universe is like a home owner. He liberally hands out new and old things from his great treasure store.”

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Poll Positions in the Race

Greetings Dear Reader,

First a gentle reminder that I hate politics is needed.   I think that there are few aspects of the election process that are not overrun by corruption and special interest.  I try to avoid the subject and feel that following Christ is to be a constant no matter what the political climate.

That said I am very concerned over the coming presidential election.  It troubles me greatly that the two leading candidates are subject of real criminal investigations.  Either of them could be arrested and indicted any moment.   Neither of them has integrity.  Neither of them has a good reputation.  This should trouble us all.

Please do not misunderstand.  I am not saying I am any better than them.  I am saying that they are not qualified to be president of this nation.   Why do so few people see this?  Why do we settle for loud and proud over humble and articulate?  Why are we content to have greed and dishonor lead us?

Perhaps it is because it is what we deserve.  Our banner of decency is torn and stained.  We no longer lead the world in being honorable and good.  We no longer hold the lion’s share of moral value.  We deny justice to so many while screaming that it is our banner. 

We judge our forebears for their wrong actions whilst justifying our own.  We cannot live with contradictory values and hope to prosper.  We cannot pander to our own interests and divisive preferences and survive.  It is late but it is not too late.

Those at the head of the race are not the best we have to offer the world.  There are those who would do the job well.  We need to rise up as a nation and demand a leader worthy of the office.  We have forgotten how to set aside our differences for the greater good.  Christ followers need to set the example for the rest.

Wishing you joy in the journey,

Aramis Thorn

Mat 13:52 So Jesus said to them, "That is why every writer who has become a disciple of Christ’s rule of the universe is like a home owner. He liberally hands out new and old things from his great treasure store.”

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