A Tribute To All American Heroes

.

THIS IS NOT BACKGROUND MUSIC

Writing this blog, I have gone through a few Kleenex as I watched and listened to several moving tributes to our heroes before choosing this one. I like that this tribute ends (and I bet begins) in prayer, and invite you to watch and listen to its entirety.  

As we honor the Seven Faith Practices at English Lutheran, it might seem providential that America’s (U.S.) upcoming Independence Day Celebration falls almost between June’s focus on Worship (offering praise) and July’s focus on Prayer. As many across this country gather for July 4th community and family festivities, I hope we also take the time to honor and pray for the many thousands of Military, Firemen and Women, Police, Doctors, Nurses, Chaplains, and countless Unsung Heroes who support and help sustain them.  These are the folks who have and continue to put their own lives on the line, to fight for and sustain the FREEDOMS and SAFETY which we enjoy and live in each and every day.

As we honor All Our Heroes and participate in various Independence Day celebrations, may we also continue to strive for ‘Justice for All’, finding means through peace, prayer, mercy, understanding and compassion, in God’s Spirit .

For many this upcoming holiday is a bittersweet time: a time to celebrate and a time to mourn. There is a ‘thin line’ which joins both, and in the breath of this ‘thin line’ one can find the seeds of Compassion, Forgiveness, Gratitude, and Life.  These are seeds which, when shared, can foster freedom and justice across our country and our planet.

This Independence Day, may you know the joys and the gratitude of the freedoms we share, giving thanks to God for all we have, and to All Our Heroes for their services and lives!

Fountain of Everlasting Peace and Healing Balm,
Wash over our wounds of war, violence, and hatred,
Scrub deep the stains that destroy the fabric of Your Existence,
Mend the tattered threads of the Cloak of Your Majesty,
The delicate web of the universe which is Your Life and Love...
.Help us to learn forgiveness, kindness, tolerance,
Greatness of mind and heart,
So that destroying all weapons of war,
Burying all animosities and differences,
We may hear the Divine Harmony of Your Love,
.That draws all into Unity in one Compassionate Heart.
Making Peace grow in our hearts as seeds for a new era,
Birthing the song of non-violence
Which blesses our world with Peace
Eternal.

from ‘Prayer for Peace Day - Sister Rosemarie – 2006

Shalom,

Susan