Taking A Stand!

Taking A Stand!

With all the drama surrounding the NFL right now, I really wasn't sure if I wanted to tackle (no pun intended!) that subject or not!

Why pour gasoline on an already blazing inferno?

I'm not even an NFL fan. I don't watch the games, but when I see what's taking place during the playing of America's National Anthem, I am appalled.

It makes me frustrated.

It makes me heartbroken.

It makes me confused.

Late Monday evening, I felt like the Lord was prompting me to write a post about this issue, but I had no earthly idea where to begin. Remember, I don't even watch the games!

Even though I may not be a NFL fan, I AM a very patriotic, former Navy wife whose husband served a thirteen month tour in the Persian Gulf. I LOVE my country and RESPECT all that the flag represents!

As I was pondering what to write for this post, the very first thing the Lord brought to my mind was that these players may be kneeling in defiance, rebellion and protest, but The Word of God says that one day we ALL will bow the knee to Jesus!

"That at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of things in heaven, and things in earth, and things under the earth; And that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father."
Philippians 2:10-11

I continued to jot down bits and pieces here and there, but also continued to pray that the Lord would give me more, and indeed He did!

Around 11:00 p.m., I decided to take a break, jumped on facebook and "just happened" to read something which brought tears to my eyes. I read it over and over and over again. It was as if what I was reading was EXACTLY what was resonating within my own heart.

I contacted the author, Mr. Stan Drew, to ask permission to use his article in my post. He was more than happy to grant my request.

He told me that evidently, at first, there had been some confusion as to who wrote the article. Of all people, Ted Nugent (all you rockers will know that name!) took credit for penning it. After 100,000 likes and MANY shares, Ted finally gave credit where credit was due. To the TRUE author, Stan Drew.

Stan said that he was truly humbled and gave God all the glory for allowing his written words to be viewed and shared by so many!

I would like to personally thank, Stan Drew, for writing such a heart-stirring, truth-inspiring, gut-wrenching article.

Thank you, Stan, for being willing to STAND for the truth!

I'll go ahead and let Mr. Drew's words speak for themselves,

"You Want To Take A Knee?"

Take a little trip to Valley Forge in January. If you don't know where that is, just Google it from the sidelines. Hold a musket ball in your fingers and imagine it piercing your flesh and breaking a bone or two. There won't be a doctor or trainer to assist you until after the battle, so just wait your turn. Take your cleats and socks off to get a real experience. Then take a knee.

Then, take one at the beach in Normandy where man after American man stormed the beach, even as the one in front of him was shot to pieces. The very sea stained with American blood. The only blockers most had were the dead bodies in front of them, riddled with bullets from enemy fire.

Take a knee in the sweat soaked jungles of Vietnam. From Khe San to Saigon. Anywhere will do. Americans died in all those jungles. There was no playbook that told them what was next, but they knew what flag they represented. When they came home, they were protested as well, and spit on for reasons only cowards know.

Take another knee in the blood drenched sands of Fallujah in 110 degree heat. Wear your Kevlar helmet and battle dress. Your number won't be printed on it unless your number is up! You'll need to stay hydrated but there won't be anyone to squirt Gatorade into your mouth. You're on your own.

There's a lot of places to take a knee.

Americans have given their lives all over the world.

When you use the banner under which they fought as a source for your displeasure, you dishonor the memories of those who bled for the very freedoms you have.

That's what the red stripes mean. It represents the blood of those who spilled a sea of it defending your liberty.

While you're on your knee, pray for those that came before you, not on a manicured lawn striped and printed with numbers to announce every inch of ground taken, but on nameless hills and bloodied beaches and sweltering forests and bitter cold mountains, every inch marked by an American life lost serving that flag you protest.

No cheerleaders, no announcers, no coaches, no fans.

Just American men and women delivering the real fight against those who chose to harm us. Blazing a path so you would have the right to "take a knee."

You haven't an inkling what it took to get you where you are, but your "protest" is duly noted.

Not only is it disgraceful to a nation of real heroes, it serves the purpose of pointing to your ingratitude for those who chose to defend you under that banner that will still wave long after your jersey is retired.

If you really feel the need to take a knee, come with me to church on Sunday and we'll both kneel before Almighty God.

We'll thank Him for preserving this country for as long as He has.

We'll beg forgiveness for our ingratitude for all He has provided us.

We'll appeal to Him for understanding and wisdom.

We'll pray for liberty and justice for all, because He is The One who provides those things.

But there will be NO protest.

There will only be gratitude for His provision and a plea for His continued grace and mercy on the land of the free and the home of the brave.

It goes like this ...

GOD

BLESS

AMERICA!


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May God Bless You,

Barb

4 Comments

  • Diane Burke

    September 28, 2017 at 9:38 am Reply

    They picked a poor way to protest. Indeed the reason for their protest seems to be lost in the battle fury of what this means to many other Americans.

    I do not follow football. I would not miss it. But I imagine the frustration of those who do is double mine. And mine is big enough.

    • Barb

      September 28, 2017 at 8:46 pm Reply

      I totally agree, Diane, with what you said about picking a wrong way to protest. I, too, do not watch football at all, but I see about it on the news. It's frustrating to me in so many ways, I guess especially since Brian served in the military for several years and did a 13 month tour overseas. It just kind of hits home. I LOVE my country and the flag which represents all those who served and continue to serve and give their lives so that we can have the freedoms which we have, Better stop before I get to preachin'!!!!

  • Linda

    October 2, 2017 at 10:28 pm Reply

    Barb, I'm not sure how this all happened, but I do know that we should all have gratitude in our hearts for the sacrifice that our soldiers made when they served our countries overseas. Most of us have a sense of belonging to, and therefore feel patriotic about, our country and the flag that represents each country. Last year there's was much talk, and a referendum, about changing our flag. The outcome - its still the same! Why? Because it is under this flag that our servicemen served, and still serve, and the majority apparently recognised this. I really appreciate the article you quoted - and one day all will bow the knee before our King!
    Sending loads of love and hugs your way!

    • Barb

      October 5, 2017 at 12:05 pm Reply

      Linda, thank you for sharing what you all experienced last year regarding issues with your own flag. So very thankful that the people spoke out and the flag remained the same. I just don't understand why people would want to change their country's flag after so many years??? And I also don't understand why in our country athletes, whom children and young people look up to, would be trying to set the standard of disrespect for the flag which represents freedom. Freedom that was bought for all Americans through the shed blood of so many willing to die for our country? God forgive us and God help us all to seek Your face. ❤❤❤
      Sending you bucket loads of love, prayers and appreciation

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