...other meditations

united we stand ?

for weeks now, many people have been facing a new reality with some very tough questions. others can't seem to get away from or enough of tv, radio and other media sources covering the events of terrorism. many of us can't simply find an american flag to fly on our cars or porches. we have also noticed a sense of urgency to help others. there is, at the moment, a desire to come to the aid of those persons affected by this tragedy. whether directly or indirectly, there are people who need our help. we as a nation, as well as other countries, are remembering and paying homage to this loss through the efforts of fund raising, the giving of blood, flying the american flag and through prayer. this combinative support from all over the world is an awesome unifying statement. these are sure signs that we may never forget what happened on tuesday, september 11, 2001. but, then again, could we?

i rejoice that such a horrific event could bring such a positive result: one nation under God. i felt the sadness for the many lives that were lost in just seconds. in response, i am assured and trust that God was, is and will be in control. i am also uplifted by the outpour of financial and prayerful support for those who fell victim to these circumstances. however, my joy was quickly deflated when reminded that an astronomical number of those participating in this support do not know Jesus. in fact, some of them may never know Him. i was also easily captured in the moment of unity; all beliefs, all nations, all religions standing as one. that dream ended abruptly when i woke up to the realization that some "neighbors" that i stand united with, don't know Jesus either. will they ever know?

so, what point am i trying to drive home? am i putting patriotism to bed? no! i'm only trying to grasp how we as a nation will remain unified after the events of september 11 slowly fade from memory. Who can keep us strong in the face of our true enemy? Jesus is the answer. Jesus is the only way. Jesus is the only way to the Father Who brings Eternal Life. the Bible says in 1 john 5:11,12:

11and this is the Testimony: God has given us Eternal Life, and this Life is in His Son. 12he who has the Son has Life; he who does not have the Son of God does not have Life.

Christians, we need to get bold! we need to quit pussyfooting around! stop apologizing for who we are and what we believe. we're followers of Christ; standing united in Christ. let us not turn a blind eye or a deaf ear to our "neighbors" around us who do not know the joy of Jesus. we can show respect for our "neighbor's" choice and beliefs, but we must first share with them what their choices are: Freedom and Eternal Life through Jesus Christ or bondage of sin, inevitable death and separation from God. when will our world see that they need Jesus? let's help open their eyes. as Christians, we have an important job to do. sharing the Truth of Jesus Christ with others is just one of our roles here on earth.

so, Christians, fly your american flags proudly, all the while proudly displaying your "flag" of Christianity. show off your red, white and blue only if you are willing to show the colors of Christ: the red blood that Jesus Christ shed on the cross for your sins, and the white of Christ's purity and cleansing of those sins. (isaiah 1:18) stand proudly under the banner of our nation, remembering Whose banner covers all. (psalm 60:4) be proud gazing at the beauty of your country, and never losing sight of that beautiful cross of Calvary! (1 corinthians 1:18)

proud to be a Christian,

tamara