Hit the Buildings, But Missed America
#34911
09/14/01 02:07 AM
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Joined: Sep 1999
Posts: 12,104
Allen
OP
Disciple
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OP
Disciple
Joined: Sep 1999
Posts: 12,104 |
Sent to me by a friend:
Well, you hit the World Trade Center, but you missed America. You hit the Pentagon, but you missed America. You used helpless American bodies, to take out other American bodies, but like a poor marksman, you STILL missed America.
Why? Because of something you guys will never understand. America isn't about a building or two, not about financial centers, not about military centers, America isn't about a place, America isn't even about a bunch of bodies. America is about an IDEA. An idea, that you can go someplace where you can earn as much as you can figure out how to, live for the most part, like you envisioned living, and pursue Happiness. (No guarantees that you'll reach it, but you can sure try!)
Go ahead and whine your terrorist whine, and chant your terrorist litany: "If you can not see my point, then feel my pain."
This concept is alien to Americans. We live in a country where we don't have to see your point. But you're free to have one. We don't have to listen to your speech. But you're free to say one. Don't know where you got the strange idea that everyone has to agree with you. We don't agree with each other in this country, almost as a matter of pride. We're a collection of guys that don't agree, called States. We united our individual states to protect ourselves from tyranny in the world. Another idea, we made up on the spot. You CAN make it up as you go, when it's your country.
If you're free enough.
Yeah, we're fat, sloppy, easy-going goofs most of the time. That's an unfortunate image to project to the world, but it comes of feeling free and easy about the world you live in. It's unfortunate too, because people start to forget that when you attack Americans, they tend to fight like a cornered badger. The first we knew of the War of 1812, was when England burned Washington D.C. to the ground. Didn't turn out like England thought it was going to, and it's not going to turn out like you think, either. Sorry, but you're not the first bully on our shores, just the most recent.
No Marquis of Queensbury rules for Americans, either. We were the FIRST and so far, only country in the world to use nuclear weapons in anger. Horrific idea, nowadays? News for you bucko, it was back then too, but we used it anyway. Only had two of them in the whole world and we used 'em both. Grandpa Jones worked on the Manhattan Project. Told me once, that right up until they threw the switch, the physicists were still arguing over whether the Uranium alone would fission, or whether it would start a fissioning chain reaction that would eat everything. But they threw the switch anyway, because we had a War to win. Does that tell you something about American Resolve?
So who just declared War on us? It would be nice to point to some real estate, like the good old days. Unfortunately, we're probably at war with random camps, in far-flung places. Who think they're safe. Just like the Barbary Pirates did. They were wrong. So are you. Better start sleeping with one eye open.
There's a spirit that tends to take over people who come to this country, looking for opportunity, looking for liberty, looking for freedom. Even if they misuse it. The Marielistas that Castro emptied out of his prisons, were overjoyed to find out how much freedom there was. First thing they did when they hit our shores, was run out and buy guns. The ones that didn't end up dead, ended up in prisons. It was a big problem then (especially in south Florida). We solved that problem. As for you, you're only the newest problem, not the first.
You guys seem to be incapable of understanding that we don't live in America, America lives in US! American Spirit is what it's called. And killing a few thousand of us, or a few million of us, won't change it. Most of the time, it's a pretty happy-go-lucky kind of Spirit. Until we're crossed in a cowardly manner, then it becomes an entirely different kind of Spirit.
Wait until you see what we do with that Spirit, this time.
Sleep tight, if you can. We're coming.
We Are A Nation In Mourning, But We Are A Nation United.
God Bless America!"
- Allen - I don't need things, I need people - mb © 2002
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Re: Hit the Buildings, But Missed America
#34912
09/14/01 03:39 AM
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Joined: Mar 2000
Posts: 4,316
foreverchanged
Disciple
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Disciple
Joined: Mar 2000
Posts: 4,316 |
Wow... Thank you for posting...
You know, it is a beautiful awe-inspiring thing to witness the American Spirit rise up among the people of our nation in the midst of such devastating times of tragedy...but there intertwined in the awe and the wonder lies a tragedy within itself.
They say you don't know what you've got until it's gone. This familiar statement rings all too true...in all of our lives, sadly.
Yes, I find it most encouraging and heart warming to hear that our country's elected officials can stand arm in arm singing God Bless America on the front steps right there in front of God and everyone. And I find it an inspiration to hear about the concerted efforts of most Americans to link together and cross denomination, race, ethical and political background in order to prove that the United States of America are not so easily conquered. It stirs my spirit to hear the words reverberate: You can take away our symbols of power and wealth, but you cannot steal that which is inside of our hearts.
But...why is it that we do not live as such each and every day of our lives? I find it almost amusing to the point of hysteria the way the persons responsible for this attack and past attacks view American citizens. It may be a view distorted by hatred, but from the outside looking in, they see what is really important to us. Our money. By bombing our financial institutions, they sincerely believe that they are plunging a sword through the heart of our country. Is this the impression that we really give? Just something to think about...
Why do we wait until something so shocking happens to realize that we need to pull together as one? Why do we not see that together we stand and divided we fall? Why do are we so naive? Why do we think our freedom such an important thing when it is threatened, and yet take it for granted when things are smooth?
Why do we have to wait until our backs are up against a wall to start fighting for what we believe in?
Espeicially as Christians we should know better. Just like pastor was saying last night, we should be prepared ALWAYS. At all times. You don't like the way the government works? Get involved in what's going on. Know what your elected officials stand for before you vote for them Don't just do it because it is "the way your family votes". And for God's sake, just don't guess.
Why? What we are witnessing right now are not only the effects of terrorism, but the aftermath of very poorly spent government money and time in the previous administration. No warning...total and complete surprise...hundreds upon hundreds slain.
And we pride ourselves in our "American Spirit"...when we don't even take the time to know who our leaders are...what they believe in...and what they will fight for when push comes to shove. The news is too depressing...the politics are too borning...well, guess what folks, involvement is the only way to ensure that you have a voice.
And again, as Christians we should have an even louder voice. A voice that resounds across the nation not only in matters of politics, but in matters of unity within our body of believers. A voice that should be heard at all times speaking the truth of our God...
Always. Not just when things are peaceful, not just when things are in turmoil...but in all times. Praise Him in the morning, praise Him in the evening, praise Him when I'm young and when I'm old. Praise Him when I'm laughing, praise Him when I'm greiving, praise him every season of the soul...
It's not the end of the world here...it's a wakeup call...Let's pull together always like we are pulling together in the wake of this destruction...
[ 09-13-2001: Message edited by: foreverchanged ]
-Michelle
The best laid plans are in my other pants. -- Newsboys
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Re: Hit the Buildings, But Missed America
#34913
09/14/01 04:53 AM
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Joined: Mar 2000
Posts: 588
whit-Dawg
Disciple
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Disciple
Joined: Mar 2000
Posts: 588 |
I have been plagued with one thought over and over again since the trajedy at the World Trade Towers and the Pentagon...
We are now faced with more than rebuilding a country or a financial system, we are faced with an even more core question.... Do we really believe in our faith?
The bible teaches that those who do not know Christ will suffer eternal damnation. They will suffer for all eternity.
I might have not been in New York or Washington to help those who were killed in the bombings, but I can make a differnce in those lives around me everyday.
Why do I do the things that I don't want to and don't do the things I'm called to do.
I pray that God burns in our hearts the reality of our purpose on this earth.
What will we do when faced with the challange...
innerdawg
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Re: Hit the Buildings, But Missed America
#34914
09/14/01 05:29 AM
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Joined: Mar 2000
Posts: 4,316
foreverchanged
Disciple
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Disciple
Joined: Mar 2000
Posts: 4,316 |
Amen.
You know, I was telling someone yesterday that in the midst of all of this mess, I -- for the first time in a long time-- feel it deep down in my spirit that I have a purpose. I have said it because I know in my head that I do, but it still wasn't churning in my inner self. I still didn't really believe it deep down in my gut. And I do...I really do now.
But I'm so ashamed to admit that it is easier for me to trust God with the problems of the world than it is for me to trust Him with the problems in my life.
Just yesterday I was praising God in my spirit because I am disturbed by what is going on around me, but in a sense spiritually awakened, and I completely trust that God will use this situation to bring glory to His name.
And then night fell...and I was away from the footage, away from other believers...my mother and I had yet another argument...then my sister and I had words, and I went to my corner of the house and wept. Angry at God. "Where the **** are you???" I asked Him...WHY? WHY? It seems like everything in my life is completely changing except for the things that I want to change. And it's not happening the way I want it to.
It's easier to stand up in front of a crowd and say that God's got His hand all over this nation and He has it under control than it is to stand in secret and thank Him for holding my life in His hands. Why is that?
The core of the matter is that if God is big enough to handle the phenominal, unimaginable task of the entire world, He is then big enough and wise enough and strong enough to handle tiny, insignifigant me. And I think there, in that statement is where my problem lies. I am not insignifigant. I am chosen. Set apart, and called. I can make a difference. And through the guise of humility, satan has been able to convince me that I am too small to matter...even to God. Who am i?
Who AM I? I am a warrior. I am God's child who He has raised up and called to be a warrior in His battle. Call me crazy, but I don't think God would choose someone insignifigant to call into battle...not a battle this crucial.
And we are all called. Not a one of us an unimportant piece in the puzzle...none of us too small to make a difference in the grand scheme of things...each decision we make affects the dynamics of this entire masterpiece of life. Both good and bad choices...and I believe that through all of this God is telling us that it's time to put on our battle gear and as Jason said evaluate our faith.
Do we believe? Do we trust? Can God handle it? And can God not only handle it, but us as well?
I think He can...His eye is on the sparrow. If He can see a creature so small through the entire universe, then he can and will hear our prayers through the noise of earth.
He hears our prayers and inhabits the praises of His people.
Do we believe it?
[ 09-13-2001: Message edited by: foreverchanged ]
-Michelle
The best laid plans are in my other pants. -- Newsboys
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Re: Hit the Buildings, But Missed America
#34915
09/14/01 05:54 PM
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Joined: Jun 2000
Posts: 441
delight
Disciple
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Disciple
Joined: Jun 2000
Posts: 441 |
Yes, I believe!!!!
I feel that in some very strange way, that the last year of turmoil in my life was used as a "season" to prepare me for such a time as this. I am humbled at the honor that He has given me....I am free...I am HIS...and I am blessed. I have been through so much, and now it is time to turn it all around and use the pain for HIS GLORY!!!!! I am ready to STAND in the trenches and help bind the bloody and wounded...Thank you LORD, for your GRACE, LOVE and WISDOM!!!!! I submit to YOU...and to YOUR cause. <img src="smile.gif" border="0" alt="" />
Lisa
"Step boldly forward and take delight in how far you can go." Ralph Marston
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