America The Beautiful

Yesterday I had the opportunity to go to Maddi's class with Kandrea and Lily to watch her class perform a patriotic skit. I was not at all prepared for the effect that it had on me. The children recited the Preamble and after each line they explained what it meant. They went over all of the rules for dealing with our country's flag. They then recited quotes from many different former Presidents. The quote that hit me was by FDR, "There is nothing to fear, but fear itself." With the election of a new President on the forefront and this scary Prop 8 business, I have felt a lot of fear. I know that that is the opposite of faith, but it has been a major struggle for me. I can take the things that affect me as an adult, but my children. I feel like a mother bear wanting to protect my cubs from danger. When the well being of my children is threatened, I want to tear someone's throat out. I have been actively helping with Yes on Prop 8, but I have made it a point not to go out on the streets or to meetings where the opposition will be. I know that the church needs those people that are even keel to be at those places and that is not me right now. I am afraid I would end up being one of those people on the nightly news punching some dumb youth (from the opposition) in the face.
Back to Maddi's program, until this year, I have never truly appreciated the freedoms that we enjoy in this country. I have always loved my country, but now that passion is deeply embedded in me. Just saying the Pledge of Allegiance yesterday got me all choked up. Do we really realize the freedoms that we enjoy? Do we think about the abundance that we have in this country? Do we think twice about the opportunity that we have to fight for what we know is right? I hope that we can all find joy in fighting for this awesome cause. We must not stay complacent anymore. It is time to stand up for what we believe in, in all things and in all places. Stand up and be counted. Let's show the Lord and all mankind whom it is that we serve.