51 - Hope and Pray That You'll Never Need Me

In honor of the day, today's song is focused toward veterans.  So let me first of all say to all who have served this country, or given the ultimate sacrifice for the rest of us:

THANK YOU

There is a long line of soldiers in my family.  All my uncles and father served.  My sister, her daughter, and my oldest brother's son served (the niece and nephew are currently.)  So a big thanks to my own family.

I remember hearing this song in a movie theater in Illinois about four years ago.  It was during the pre-previews slideshow thing that was starting to feature full motion video etc.  I remember hearing the opening guitar and thinking this is cool, then the song unfolded with a powerful video.

In the end the video was a recruiting video for the National Guard, but it still conveyed a potent message about serving the people of the United States.  Watching it again just now had me on the verge of tears.  This isn't some flag-waving, America can do no wrong, kind of post, but it is a tribute from respect and honor to those who have protected it, fought for it, lived-bleed-and died for it.  For you and me.

Song 51
        "Citizen/Soldier" from 3 Doors Down self-titled album.

The chorus of the song is quite moving:

On that day when you need your brothers and sisters to care,
I'll be right here.
Citizen soldiers holding the light for the ones that we guide from the dark of despair.
Standing on guard for the ones that we sheltered,
We'll always be ready because we will always be there.

I think I'll leave this post at that.  Watch the video, listen to the song.  It speaks for itself.

grace, peace + hope & thanks!
-Jesse

46 - And It's Easy to Ignore

Today is election day in America.  So today's post takes that into account.  Nothing takes the fun out of Autumn like campaign ads.  Thank goodness I don't really watch TV on TV.  The few things I see on-line are bad enough, I don't care who the candidate is.  Enough already.

It ends tomorrow.

I'm not going to preach about doing your civic duty.  Personally, I'm not happy with any of the choices.  And don't get me started on the whole electoral college thing,  cause that's never going to make sense for me.

So, let's take a listen...

Song 46
        "Leaders of the Free World" from the Leaders of the Free World album by Elbow.

I'm not going to say what this song is about.  Clearly there is some meat behind what he is singing about.  And some heat.  The thing that gets me the most is the chorus:

But the leaders of the free world
Are just little boys throwing stones
And it's easy to ignore
Till they're knocking on the door of your homes

 Indeed.

This song itself isn't particularly connect to Autumn for me in anyway.  I just knew I wanted to use it on Election day.  So no profoundity from me today.   Just a song, that to me, is kinda smacking these folks in the face with a limp wet fish.

grace, peace + hope
-Jesse

TEN

Forget the conspiracies.

Set aside the investigations.

And really forget your politics.

Today is about remembering those who died.  To honor those who's lives were taken, and those who gave them trying to save others.

If it's not to painful for you, remember where you were that morning.  When you first started to hear about a plane flying into the WTC.  Were you like me, thinking it was a small plane?  Feeling horrible for the lives that were lost.  Then you see the second plane hit, and realize it was a full size commercial flight.

Both of them.

As the news and images poured across our screens we wept and prayed.  Then we started to hear about people trying to rescue those trapped inside the smoldering buildings.  We heard about the Pentagon, and flight 93.  "Let's roll," became a motto for bravery and courage.

When evening came we started to see numbers.

A hole had been punched through the heart of America.

But something began to happen.  Volunteers were advancing on New York to help.  That hole started to get bandaged.  Old Glory, the Star Spangled Banner, our flag was flying everywhere.  From the remains of the towers in NYC.  Along the streets of Manhattan.  On homes, and cars, and bikes, and schools all across this country.  "Proud to be an American," took on new meaning for everyone from Maine to Hawaii.

We were unified as a country.

But that was ten years ago.

We are more divided now than we were before the attacks.  That hole never really healed.  We eventually started to pick at it.  It festered and oozed.  It got infected.  Flags were banned in apartment communities.  Funerals of soldiers are protested.  We've been taught to feel ashamed that we're American...in our own country! 

Infections can be fought.

We have every right and responsibility to be proud of who we are.  Not an arrogant pride that tells us we can do what ever we want.  But one of respect and honor for the people who have made this nation great.  People like the passengers of flight 93, the rescue workers in NYC, firefighters and police in your home town.  And all those throughout history who gave their lives in service or battle to this country.

My uncles and father.  My sister.  A niece.  A nephew.

My mother who is the most patriotic person I have ever met.

So remember those who died or gave their lives ten years ago.  Remember what they died for.  They died for normal folks like you and me to have another shot at tomorrow.  To seize the opportunities that living in this country provides.

Rise up off your couch, your desk chair, and go out and share life with someone.  Visit someone in prison.  Go see your sick uncle in the hospital.  Take flowers to your mother.  Play with your kids, smile, laugh, and enjoy life.

In Memoriam

Thank you. 

Thank you to every man and woman who has given their lives for the United States.  Today is a celebration of your lives and your dedication to see Life, Liberty, and Freedom endure.

Your sacrifice was not given in vain.

There is still hope for this country.

Thank you.