I think I can, I think I can . . .

Just an update because I don't know when I will have a chance to update for real. Ha.

FYI: homework, papers, and tests are my life for the next three weeks. Lovely.

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Fish Out of Water

Today was the Veteran's Day chapel at school. Needless to say, everything military-related "went against my grain" and I left the Jeremiah chapel feeling more convinced of the importance of peace . . . and more of a loner in the middle of a "God and Country" school. During the last few weeks, several people involved with the University made the statement, "God Bless America." On the contrary, I whole-heartedly agree with the bumper sticker that states, "God Bless the WHOLE World. NO Exceptions." But, should I barely breathe a word of disagreement with that statement, I would be labeled as unpatriotic . . . among more severe descriptions. Whatever makes us think that we are God's favorite? Since when did the Biblical meaning of blessing strictly mean lavish finances? . . . Or at least that is how we seem to define it. What about His other children in the world, who are satisfied with the "meager" (dare I say "meager" according to Christian American standards) blessings of enough food but not extra, a roof but not a 5,000-sq. ft. home, health but not cosmetic vanity. Not only are they satisfied, but they are genuinely joyful. When will we learn the importance of doing things for His glory and His kingdom, instead of seeking an earthly blessing or reward by the means of prosperity?

And while we make statements about the sanctity of life, the precious nature of life, and the importance of protecting life, why do we "kill people who kill people to show that killing people is wrong?" How can we say that life is precious, while in the next breath angrily murmur hateful sentiments towards someone who "wronged" us?

Don't get me wrong; I'm speaking as much to myself as to anyone else . . . actually, I'm merely venting my thought processes from today. I don't understand the entire position of peace. I don't know how to back up my beliefs beyond ignorantly accepting what I've grown up with; I don't understand how to defend my beliefs in the context of Romans 13; I don't know what would happen if America wouldn't have "intervened" in World War II. But, at the same time, have we given peace a chance?

Call me cynical, unpatriotic or ungrateful. I am certainly grateful for the freedom I experience each day, the freedoms that allow us to bring glory to His name. I understand the price American servicemen and women paid for our freedom. But, do we understand the price of orphaned children, disabled bodies, and destruction other nations face when we invade in the name of "justice bringing freedom?"

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P.S. Feel free to leave suggestions of books, conversations, knowledge, experiences and the like that could help me to understand the peace position of the Anabaptist faith so that I may develop my "baby beliefs" without blindly accepting what I have been handed. If that makes sense.

If you think missing me is hard, then you should try missing you.

-Author Unknown

I am so ready for another break.

Or perhaps just a week unlike the last.