Soldiers at war often don’t agree with one another politically. They don’t share the same religious beliefs. They come from different socio-economic backgrounds, upbringings, cultures, races, etc. Yet, they are unified in purpose. They are bonded by a mission greater than themselves. They are bonded by blood thicker than familial ties. A love worth dying for. A love few can understand.
I think you hit the nail on the head! My favorite version is also NIV, but I digress!! This is what put it into perspective for me many years ago. I have a Canadian friend. We were talking one evening about this country. Mark said that we don’t realize how good we have it. There is no Bill of Rights in Canada. His words were, “You can’t walk down the street in Toronto and yell fuck the Queen, if you do, you’re going to jail!” That has stuck with me for all these years. Whatever is going on, we live in the best country in the world because of those who sacrificed to keep it that way. I wish more of our citizens realized that. Sorry long rant! Love and hugs always!!
Rant on! I love it. And it’s always worth reminding ourselves of the freedoms we have. Even when people disagree with us we have that right and it’s beautiful.
Yes it is. Sorry for the language but that’s what Mark said. He also had a friend who had a pair of nunchucks he won in a tournament on display over his fireplace in a case. The O.P.P. Came to his house to serve him with a speeding ticket, saw the nunchucks and arrested him for possession of an illegal weapon!!!
Hahaha. Nunchucks yes! And sir, I saw nothing offensive in that. Words are just words and I use those exact ones frequently haha I guess that’s probably a bad thing but oh well. lol
People that have experienced true, brutal violence have an immense capacity for peace. Unfortunately, our veteran community wants to shun love unless it's loving 2A or whiskey or an F-150. I say screw those guys. Bring on the peace, love, and compassion.
Leadership, in its most valid form, begins with love. Jesus is the perfect role model for this, as he led with compassion, humility, and self-sacrifice. In the military, we are often placed in situations where we must make heart-wrenching decisions, try to solve intractable problems, and face challenges with poor outlooks on all sides. Our love for our comrades, mission, and country drives us forward despite fear and adversity. Nobody can take that love away.
In the end, it is through love and understanding that we can bridge gaps with others and move towards a more compassionate world.
Thank you for your service, for your reflections, and for the love you continue to show in your words and actions.
Thank you Fred, I think sometimes people get entrenched in a worldview and sometimes can neglect to see the forest for the trees. I think this person meant well in their own mind but perhaps just wasn’t capable of seeing the bigger picture. The irony there, bringing it back to faith, is that’s the story of Jesus too. The disciples and early followers wanted a revolutionary savior, a king David, to overthrow their government and reign as a theocracy. They couldn’t see Him for what he was/is. They had their own ideas of what good was, what love was, etc. Jesus was like, how bout we just love God and love people…and this may cost you. I always appreciate your comments man! Hope you’re well.
I think you hit the nail on the head! My favorite version is also NIV, but I digress!! This is what put it into perspective for me many years ago. I have a Canadian friend. We were talking one evening about this country. Mark said that we don’t realize how good we have it. There is no Bill of Rights in Canada. His words were, “You can’t walk down the street in Toronto and yell fuck the Queen, if you do, you’re going to jail!” That has stuck with me for all these years. Whatever is going on, we live in the best country in the world because of those who sacrificed to keep it that way. I wish more of our citizens realized that. Sorry long rant! Love and hugs always!!
Rant on! I love it. And it’s always worth reminding ourselves of the freedoms we have. Even when people disagree with us we have that right and it’s beautiful.
Yes it is. Sorry for the language but that’s what Mark said. He also had a friend who had a pair of nunchucks he won in a tournament on display over his fireplace in a case. The O.P.P. Came to his house to serve him with a speeding ticket, saw the nunchucks and arrested him for possession of an illegal weapon!!!
Hahaha. Nunchucks yes! And sir, I saw nothing offensive in that. Words are just words and I use those exact ones frequently haha I guess that’s probably a bad thing but oh well. lol
People that have experienced true, brutal violence have an immense capacity for peace. Unfortunately, our veteran community wants to shun love unless it's loving 2A or whiskey or an F-150. I say screw those guys. Bring on the peace, love, and compassion.
Ben, this is repeatedly why I’m glad we are friends. Dang dude you get it. Haha
Haha much love, homie.
Also when I dropped your name in a podcast that went live today I frenched up your last name for-tee-ayyyy and for that I’m sorry
Leadership, in its most valid form, begins with love. Jesus is the perfect role model for this, as he led with compassion, humility, and self-sacrifice. In the military, we are often placed in situations where we must make heart-wrenching decisions, try to solve intractable problems, and face challenges with poor outlooks on all sides. Our love for our comrades, mission, and country drives us forward despite fear and adversity. Nobody can take that love away.
In the end, it is through love and understanding that we can bridge gaps with others and move towards a more compassionate world.
Thank you for your service, for your reflections, and for the love you continue to show in your words and actions.
Thank you Fred, I think sometimes people get entrenched in a worldview and sometimes can neglect to see the forest for the trees. I think this person meant well in their own mind but perhaps just wasn’t capable of seeing the bigger picture. The irony there, bringing it back to faith, is that’s the story of Jesus too. The disciples and early followers wanted a revolutionary savior, a king David, to overthrow their government and reign as a theocracy. They couldn’t see Him for what he was/is. They had their own ideas of what good was, what love was, etc. Jesus was like, how bout we just love God and love people…and this may cost you. I always appreciate your comments man! Hope you’re well.
This was an incredible read, Stan. Thanks for saying what you did so honestly. Iron sharpened iron today as I read it.
Thanks dude, thanks for being a good influence on me hahaha
BAM!! Beautiful & loving especially coming from a warrior!
Thanks John!