March 29, 2012

Hello World!

---Service to God and Country---

I find it both interesting and pointed that the saying has God first... as it should be. A country is land and water wrapped in arbitrary lines won or lost in war and have moved for thousands of years. God, on the other hand, remains the same. One's loyalty to a country is based on accident of birth, emigration, or sympathy to a struggle. Loyalty to God is founded on faith. It does not matter where you are because God is always with you. And when it comes to service, putting God first will ensure your service to country is for the correct reasons. We in the good ol' U.S. of A. say, "One nation under God." Again, God first, the nation is submissive to it.

For more than a decade our armed forces have been battling elusive enemies in Iraq and Afghanistan. The finest men and women our country has produced suffer and die far from home to preserve our way of life (Way of life, that's a blog for another time). I am humbled by the sacrifice of our service personnel. I am ashamed by where I sit, unable to do my part, to contribute. Do prayers count?

Now, even though I am living vicariously through my cousin Bruce, I'm button-popping proud to be related to him and his contribution. Bruce is a warrior for God. He is a military chaplain and is serving God and country in the Middle East. Please do not picture a timid, little man. Bruce resembles the Hulk. Though he is not green and far more handsome. Ha ha ha. His huge heart, broad shoulders, and grasp of God's Word will be of great comfort to those seeking peace for a moment or for eternity.

My pride in Bruce extends to his wife Eileen and their children who remain behind. It is the families who have to preserve with all the burdens and struggles of daily life, fulfilling every responsibility but without half the rock. Regardless of whether it is the husband or wife who is absent, the hole in the family is substantial. It is said often but the follow through always seems to lack conviction. We can't do enough for our military personnel. That should include their families.

There is much we each can do. Write encouraging letters. Send care packages. Donate phone cards. Seek out the families. Mow their lawn. Be a friend. And pray.

Thank you, Bruce, for serving God and country.

Thank you, Eileen, for preserving the homefront.

And of course, thanks to all who read my blog for checking in on a very proud cousin.

Cordially,
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Gregory Barnes Watson
D-67547 C-Gym-118-M
PO Box 409060
Ione, CA 95640

Novel: A Thundering Wind
https://www.amazon.com/Thundering-Wind-Gregory-Barnes-Watson/dp/0615379443