Late Night Thoughts and Concerns

I’m having a hard time sleeping, which is rare for me these days. I have some rare thoughts which are worthy of note.

Today is Memorial Day. It is a day in which we remember the sacrifices made by those that have given their lives to protect our freedom throughout our nation’s history. I cannot describe how much I appreciate the sacrifices made by those in previous generations as well as those currently serving. The blood shed on the battlefields provide the freedom by which I can type, and by which others can disagree with me.

We in America face many challenges in the days ahead. We face a continuing threat of Islamofascist terrorism. We face economic challenges at home, a situation where prosperity (a low unemployment rate of 4-5%) is outweighed by the steep rise in oil prices, resulting in record prices for gasoline and an increase in food prices. It is an insecure time, one in which I am afraid we are entering with blindfolds on.

Insecure times make people look for someone or something to help them. Just as the children of Israel, in Old Testament times, looked for an earthly king to rescue them, many today are looking for increased government intervention and a charismatic personality to help themselves.

I am concerned for my country. I fear that we are about to react to our current challenges by electing a group of politicians that look to punish achievement and give to those that look to government to provide unearned handouts. This same group of politicians would leave us more vulnerable to terrorist attacks by pulling our troops out of the Middle East just as we are winning the war on terrorism and returning some sort of semblance of order to Iraq. This same group of politicians would react to $4.00/gallon gasoline by further restricting the domestic drilling and exploration of oil, placing us into further dependence on foreign oil.

At the same time, the potential exists for there to be no credible opposition to this crew. The party that currently holds the White House is discombobulating right before our eyes. This party has no vision and cannot successfully define itself, much less communicate its policies over the heads of an unsympathetic mainstream media to the American people.

I am thankful for the opportunities God has given me as an American to fail and to achieve success. I am also thankful for the freedom I have to worship God in a way not dictated by the government, and for the freedom Americans have to proclaim the gospel of Jesus Christ here and throughout the world. I take comfort in the gospel, knowing that this is an earthly home, but not a permanent home.

In the meantime, though, we live in a twisted, pagan world. A world full of problems and challenges. What is needed is freedom. Not uncontrolled license or sexual freedom, but the freedom for Americans to come up with solutions to the challenges that face us without unnecessary regulation by an incompetent government. The freedom to achieve greatness and to enjoy the fruits of the world’s most powerful economy. The freedom to use the God-given resources of our land while still preserving its beauty and use for future generations. Freedom is what makes our country great. It is what patriots have given their lives for throughout the history of our nation, including today. May their sacrifices not be in vain, but may America become an even better place.

May God not only bless America, but may He save America, as well.