TheDiscipleMD

It was 1977, and my plane had just landed in America. I had spent close to two years in South America without ever seeing the United States flag waving overhead. But there it was, flapping majestically outside the JFK Airport in New York City.  The fifteen of us stood there in awe.  I don’t know how the other missionaries felt, but the emotion of seeing the ‘Stars and Stripes’ that day, as we stood waiting for our connecting flight to Washington, D.C., will never leave me. I was filled with gratitude that day, not only for the flag, but for what it symbolized.

I know our country’s history has its blemishes, yet, as a whole, I think it is the greatest country on earth.  I can, from time to time,  get frustrated with its politics, its morals, and its inability to always right the wrong. Yet, I am proud to be an American and grateful to all those who have given their lives to make this the land of hope and freedom.

So whenever I get frustrated or angry with how the country is being led or the daily aspects of living here, I remember back to that day  when I saw our flag waving overhead at the airport, and the emotion of gratefulness to live in the United States of America comes back to my heart and to my soul, I thank the Lord each day for those men and women who protect our freedom and our rights. This country of ours certainly needs some work, for sure! There are undoubtedly many great countries in the world, but there is ‘no place like home!’

So to all who have ever lived and died to keep us free, may the flag of our fathers keep you wrapped in love and honor all the days of eternity, and may the Lord watch over and protect your families forever!