The Draft

On Friday, 4 out of 5 of our family members saw “American Snipper” on the opening night of the movie. While homeschooling Brewer and Thomas in middle school, their favorite subject was history. I distinctly remember Brewer being home on September 11, 2001. The day that will be recorded in history as the most vicious and deadly attack on American soil. I vividly recall watching the horror on Brewer’s face as we watched, in utter shock, the “malicious and unthinkable” being played out on the news.

Friday as I watched the movie, sitting right beside Brewer, it brought back the thoughts and emotions I had on September 11. Knowing I had two sons, one of which was 12 at the time, I remember thinking…this could mean a mandatory draft in the future and we have two sons! I realized we had never really studied the draft. I didn’t know everything…but that day…I looked it up.

I will be perfectly honest…fear and selfishness…welled up in my heart…that day. I was overcome with terror and fear and thinking hundreds of thoughts–one of which was selfishly thinking how these attacks could change not only the destiny of America, but the future of our two sons and many others. It was really kind of sick on my part to be relieved that Thomas had Type 1 diabetes knowing from my reading about the history of the draft that he wouldn’t qualify.

Getting back to the movie and the years that we have lived since….I have a whole different perspective on the draft, the military, being a citizen of this country and the freedom and safety I enjoy. This particular movie has done an amazing job of giving an accurate picture of what it must be like to serve on the front lines in our Armed Forces.

The “visual” multiplied my respect and gratitude and overwhelmed me with tears, and a pit in my stomach as this true story unfolded. After the movie, which by the way was packed…every seat filled…there was a hush in the audience. Everyone stood up and SILENTLY exited the theater. A hush….of reality…a sobering realization of real and true HEROISM….like I have never witnessed.

A real and meaningful picture to me…I see very clearly that a civilian who HAS NEVER BEEN TRAINED OR BEEN IN COMBAT, especially on ENEMY SOIL on the FRONT LINES….can NOT make decisions and judgements of how things should be carried out. Simply stated…..it is ridiculous, absurd and irrational on all levels….to think we could possibly understand many things about soldiers…their lives…their actions, their commitment, their action in the face of fear and their sacrifice.

Underpaid is an understatement. When you compare what we value in America, according to where we spend our money…..and who we look to as our HEROES….WE as a nation are missing the mark….we are CLUELESS. Numbers don’t lie….look where we spend our money.

From the beginning of time Scripture records stories of war….the falling and rising of nations. I believe the Bible to be the inherent Word of God…true and infallible. A deep study of Scripture shows that no nation has survived when….turning their backs and thumbing their noses at a Holy God. I could quote several passages from the Old Testament but let me give you just one example found in Jeremiah 18:8-10. “And if that nation I warned repents of its evil, then I will relent and not inflict on it the disaster I had planned. And if at another time I announce that a nation or kingdom is to be built up and planted, and if it does evil in my sight and does not obey me, then I will reconsider the good I had intended to do for it.”

A true and accurate study of American history…includes sinful man…but it also clearly shows that we, as a nation, founded our country on and were guided by biblical principles…in reverence and reference to a Holy God…………..

Point of post…First, just a small way God has shown me that I can encourage readers of this post to love, respect, pray for and show gratitude to anyone who freely volunteers…to serve and protect the freedom we all enjoy.

Second, to hopefully encourage others to vote for people whose hearts are guided by biblical principles and willing to serve in political offices.

Third, to place a higher value on where we all spend our personal money and time. “For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also,” (Matthew 6:21). I want to encourage all of us to take a moment to reassess what is important to us, to God.

Fourth, to possibly encourage someone to run for political office–which our media has turned into a battleground. Someone with a passion to uphold the principles on which our country has enjoyed freedom and God’s protection.

I love Dwight D. Eisenhower’s quote that I believe to hold truth, “A people that values privileges above its principles soon loses both.”

In closing, I now feel that one of the greatest things anyone can do…is to serve in our military. I believe those who serve do it out of a true love for our country and a sense of call and desire to be a part of something bigger than themselves. It certainly cannot be for the large paycheck nor the fame……very few receive either.

To God be the glory for the few, the brave, the selfless!

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