Part 5
Joe fell into a fevered, frenzied state and started talking in his delirium. Rueb stayed with him the whole time. Joe didn’t realize that when he rescued Rueb, he was saving his family as well. Rueb was from Joe’s island. His technology was far more advanced than Joe could remember from his childhood.
Joe talked about his port a craft and his fiancee, and how much he missed his father and even his annoying older brothers. Three days later they landed on the same beach that Joe had started his journey. Rueb had changed his name when he started to travel. His name was Michael and he was Joe’s next oldest brother. When Joe started talking is when Rueb realized who he was.
Rueb had grown up to be a scientist and his speciality was artificial limbs. Leg’s were his particular area of expertise. Rueb told the men where his lab was and the men carried Joe to it. Rueb told the men to go back to the ship and he would send word when he knew what the outcome would be. Rueb turned on the nano powered machines and placed one in particular on Joe’s leg. The machine destroyed the decayed flesh and started to replace the damage limb with nanites. Little by little Joe’s leg returned to normal. When the machines were done Rueb removed the machine and waited for Joe to wake up naturally.
The next morning Joe awoke and knew Rueb was sitting at his side. Joe expected to be dead or at least his leg missing. Neither were the case. Rueb had tears running down his face and grabbed Joe into an enormous hug. Rueb knew the time had come to come clean about the past.
Rueb began by telling Joe his real name and who he was and told him of the day they left him at the cave. Rueb left nothing out and told how the brother’s were jealous of him and wanted him to die. He explained how everyone went back a few days later. The family was never the same again. Each brother would have gladly given his life to see Joe restored to his father. As far as Rueb knew their father was still alive and asked Joe to go to him.
Joe wanted to see his brothers first to find out a few things. Rueb ran and got the brothers not telling them the surprise awaiting them. They walked in and asked who the stranger was. Rueb told them and the other brothers gawked and then ran to embrace Joe. They wanted to hear everything that Joe wanted to say expecting the worst. Joe told them how he originally didn’t know of their plot and explained how he was taken by the marauders. He explained his excruciating pain at being yanked away from his family and facing death. He told of the horrors he had seen and how he had to make a choice to either become like the marauders or to learn to become stronger because of what happened. Joe told them how he had saved everything from the day he started looting and that he hadn’t killed one person since the day his journey began. Joe not only survived but he overcame. All six brothers had felt pain and remorse for their past actions. Now it was time for the two biggest questions that Joe had to face. Was his father still alive and what happened to Mennesa.
The brothers explained that their father was old but constantly told the other brothers that Joe would return, he just knew it. Mennesa had not married but moved into the house they were about to buy. The brothers had bought it for her. She also knew that Joe would return for her. Joe asked the men to send someone to get a message to his ship and crew. It was done immediately.
Joe went home and walked into the house. At first he was introduced as a stranger. After several minutes the father stopped and asked, “Joe is that you. I know it’s you, come here so that I can hold you before I die.” They embraced, cried, and all of the brothers related the past to their father. He forgave his other sons, though he was really angry at their confession. All was forgiven and restored.
Joe went to the house that Mennesa lived at. She was in the front yard and heard Joe’s step. She turned around and Joe immediately knew that something was wrong. Mennesa grinned ear to ear, but she couldn’t see Joe. She had gone blind after they parted. Joe kissed Mennesa as if his heart would break all over again. They talked through the night snuggled in each other’s arms. In the morning he took Mennesa to his father’s house and prepared a quick wedding. Later that day they were married. Now Joe had one more thing to complete. He had to pass his captaincy onto another man, but who?
Michael told Joe that he was returning to the sea. He will keep his lab intact, but he loved the voyaging. Everyone talked for hours and it was decided that Michael would take Joe’s place and keep teaching the men the things that Joe had started out with all of those years before. Hopefully one day the crew would disband and stop the marauding. Michael even took on the task of returning everything that Joe had taken in his earlier years.
They all walked to the beach and embraced. Michael rowed out to his ship and saluted from the deck. Michael would change the name to “Redemption”, because the ship had touched and changed so many lives. As the ship sailed into the horizon, Mennesa and Joe watched until the ship was out of sight. Joe sighed, then smiled at this new wife. Arm in arm they started back to begin their new life together.
My concluding thoughts will be posted on Monday
Friday, July 17, 2009
Thursday, July 16, 2009
Can We Pay The Price When The Cost Is Everything - 4
Part 4
The leader liked the kid’s spunk and didn’t want to kill him, so he tried to think of a way to keep him alive. He ordered his men to take to boy to his room. He told the men that they had more important things to do than kill the kid right then and there. The Captain’s name was Robert, but they called him Captain Pharoas. Robert told one of his men to take the boy to his cabin and he would deal with this later.
When he entered the room, Joe would only look at him. Joe wasn’t shaking in fear as the others had. Robert was tired and wanted to retire, but he knew he couldn’t pass the ship on to one of the other crew mates. The others would find a way to kill the new captain and on and on it would go. Robert pointed to himself and said, “Robert”. Joe pointed to himself and said, “Joe”. Good, the kid was smart. Now to figure out a plan.
Days turned into weeks, weeks into months and Joe was still alive. They plundered at will. Joe participated but never killed one single person. Joe was becoming known as the gentle marauder. Robert would let Joe out a little each day until he was accepted as one of the crew's own. Killing him never came up again.
Several years later, both Joe and Robert learned each others languages and both were fluent in both. Robert made Joe his cabin boy and finally told him that he wanted to retire. Robert told Joe that the captain keeps all of the treasure and the new one starts from scratch. Robert wanted Joe to become captain. Joe asked for time and asked to go back home so that he could see his family one more time. He promised not to contact them and would rendezvous in the same came they met in, in three days time.
Joe was let off on his home shore. He went home and saw that 4 of his five brothers were married and that his father still lived. He didn’t see the brother born before him. Joe walked to his old girlfriends home. Her parents still lived there, but Joe never got to see Mennesa. Joe knelt right then and there because his heart was breaking. He was thinking of all of the lost time away from his family and girlfriend. The family never knew that he proposed to Mennesa and she accepted the day he was taken by his crew. She might even be married by now. Joe cried because he knew he could never go come back again. He made up his mind to become captain right then and there. He met with the ship in three days time and sailed away, leaving Robert on his home island.
While Joe was gone, he thought about his life and how much hurt and loss he experienced when he was taken from his family, but he knew that there had to be a plan. A big part of his plan was to keep his men from killing again. He wanted his whole crew to become gentle marauders. Joe kept a diary and kept track from all that they had stolen from. He was putting away his share of the bounty so that when the time came for him to retire he would pay every last denar back to the people that the crew had stolen from. It wouldn’t be easy, but he would do it or die trying.
Several more years flew by. Joe stopped at a desolated island to make repairs on his ship and found a man washed up on shore. They took him to the ship to allow him to heal. They made repairs and sailed away. The man recovered and he spoke Joe’s own language. His name was Rueb.
Joe and Rueb were walking and talking one day when Joe fell down a crumbling cliffs edge.. His leg was a pulpy mess and unsalvagable. Rueb rush Joe back to the ship and cauterized Joe's' leg. Rueb told the men that if his can take them to his home he would be able to heal Joe's' leg. Joe's' commander asked for the co-ordinates and they set sail..........
Part 5 tomorrow
The leader liked the kid’s spunk and didn’t want to kill him, so he tried to think of a way to keep him alive. He ordered his men to take to boy to his room. He told the men that they had more important things to do than kill the kid right then and there. The Captain’s name was Robert, but they called him Captain Pharoas. Robert told one of his men to take the boy to his cabin and he would deal with this later.
When he entered the room, Joe would only look at him. Joe wasn’t shaking in fear as the others had. Robert was tired and wanted to retire, but he knew he couldn’t pass the ship on to one of the other crew mates. The others would find a way to kill the new captain and on and on it would go. Robert pointed to himself and said, “Robert”. Joe pointed to himself and said, “Joe”. Good, the kid was smart. Now to figure out a plan.
Days turned into weeks, weeks into months and Joe was still alive. They plundered at will. Joe participated but never killed one single person. Joe was becoming known as the gentle marauder. Robert would let Joe out a little each day until he was accepted as one of the crew's own. Killing him never came up again.
Several years later, both Joe and Robert learned each others languages and both were fluent in both. Robert made Joe his cabin boy and finally told him that he wanted to retire. Robert told Joe that the captain keeps all of the treasure and the new one starts from scratch. Robert wanted Joe to become captain. Joe asked for time and asked to go back home so that he could see his family one more time. He promised not to contact them and would rendezvous in the same came they met in, in three days time.
Joe was let off on his home shore. He went home and saw that 4 of his five brothers were married and that his father still lived. He didn’t see the brother born before him. Joe walked to his old girlfriends home. Her parents still lived there, but Joe never got to see Mennesa. Joe knelt right then and there because his heart was breaking. He was thinking of all of the lost time away from his family and girlfriend. The family never knew that he proposed to Mennesa and she accepted the day he was taken by his crew. She might even be married by now. Joe cried because he knew he could never go come back again. He made up his mind to become captain right then and there. He met with the ship in three days time and sailed away, leaving Robert on his home island.
While Joe was gone, he thought about his life and how much hurt and loss he experienced when he was taken from his family, but he knew that there had to be a plan. A big part of his plan was to keep his men from killing again. He wanted his whole crew to become gentle marauders. Joe kept a diary and kept track from all that they had stolen from. He was putting away his share of the bounty so that when the time came for him to retire he would pay every last denar back to the people that the crew had stolen from. It wouldn’t be easy, but he would do it or die trying.
Several more years flew by. Joe stopped at a desolated island to make repairs on his ship and found a man washed up on shore. They took him to the ship to allow him to heal. They made repairs and sailed away. The man recovered and he spoke Joe’s own language. His name was Rueb.
Joe and Rueb were walking and talking one day when Joe fell down a crumbling cliffs edge.. His leg was a pulpy mess and unsalvagable. Rueb rush Joe back to the ship and cauterized Joe's' leg. Rueb told the men that if his can take them to his home he would be able to heal Joe's' leg. Joe's' commander asked for the co-ordinates and they set sail..........
Part 5 tomorrow
Tuesday, July 14, 2009
Can We Pay The Price When The Cost Is Everything - 3
Part 3
Joe was patiently waiting in the cave. He stared at the ceiling thinking, “okay guys, a joke’s a joke, but this is ridiculous.” Joe waited and waited until he decided he may as well explore the cave since he had nothing better to do. For some unknown reason the cave was filled with sunshine and sweet-smelling air.
Joe stopped at a divide in the cave. One path led into a more brightly lighted area and the other was in darkness. Joe followed the dark side of the path. He was feeling adventurous and thinking, “who knows, there really might be treasure here.” Joe felt his way along the cave’s wall until he came to the end of the path. Joe was surprised because what lay in front of him was a lantern lit room with treasure laying everywhere. It was hanging from the rocks, stuffed on ledges and all over the ground.
Joe rubbed his eyes in amazement. He thought he was having a hallucination. When he reopened his eyes the treasure was still there. Joe ran forward and rolled around in the treasure thinking what his older brothers will think of him now that he’s filthy rich. Joe stopped and listened. He thought he heard a noise coming from another entrance that he didn’t see before. Joe could smell a sea breeze coming from that direction so he assumed it connected with the ocean.
The noise was getting louder and coming Joe’s way. Joe went to the darkened path and knelt against the wall. He was sure now because he heard mens voices and they weren’t his brother’s. They were speaking a strange language that Joe never heard before.
Joe started crawling backwards down the path he’d originally came through. Inch by inch he crawled backwards until he ran into something solid, but it was not rock. Joe tried to go around, but it moved with him. He tried to get up to run, but was grabbed and dragged back into the treasure filled room. The man who held him spoke the funny sounding language, but Joe could get the gist of what he was saying.
The big man announced to the others. “I’ve found myself a peeping tom. He knows our treasure is here and now we’ll have to get rid of him.” He was tired of the killing, but he couldn’t see any way to keep this kid alive. He’d broken their code and code must be obeyed. If someone finds their treasure room, be it male or female, they had to die.
The commander decided to put it off as long as possible, so he told the others to take the treasure and the kid to the ship”. They would find a more pleasurable way to kill the boy,” he said. The brothers would be shocked because they didn’t believe in marauders. They were just a myth and Joe thought the same. Marauders they were and they took their treasure, Joe and journeyed back to their ship. They knew that they could never come back to this land again. If one found it then others might not be far behind.
Joe didn’t need to understand the language to understand what his fate was to be. He sadly said goodbye to his father, brother’s and his home. He knew he’d never see it again and most likely wouldn’t see much of anything again once they got aboard the marauders ship. The ship came in view and everyone boarded, except for the leader and Joe. The walked towards the planked and climbed up to the ship.............................
Part 4 tomorrow
Joe was patiently waiting in the cave. He stared at the ceiling thinking, “okay guys, a joke’s a joke, but this is ridiculous.” Joe waited and waited until he decided he may as well explore the cave since he had nothing better to do. For some unknown reason the cave was filled with sunshine and sweet-smelling air.
Joe stopped at a divide in the cave. One path led into a more brightly lighted area and the other was in darkness. Joe followed the dark side of the path. He was feeling adventurous and thinking, “who knows, there really might be treasure here.” Joe felt his way along the cave’s wall until he came to the end of the path. Joe was surprised because what lay in front of him was a lantern lit room with treasure laying everywhere. It was hanging from the rocks, stuffed on ledges and all over the ground.
Joe rubbed his eyes in amazement. He thought he was having a hallucination. When he reopened his eyes the treasure was still there. Joe ran forward and rolled around in the treasure thinking what his older brothers will think of him now that he’s filthy rich. Joe stopped and listened. He thought he heard a noise coming from another entrance that he didn’t see before. Joe could smell a sea breeze coming from that direction so he assumed it connected with the ocean.
The noise was getting louder and coming Joe’s way. Joe went to the darkened path and knelt against the wall. He was sure now because he heard mens voices and they weren’t his brother’s. They were speaking a strange language that Joe never heard before.
Joe started crawling backwards down the path he’d originally came through. Inch by inch he crawled backwards until he ran into something solid, but it was not rock. Joe tried to go around, but it moved with him. He tried to get up to run, but was grabbed and dragged back into the treasure filled room. The man who held him spoke the funny sounding language, but Joe could get the gist of what he was saying.
The big man announced to the others. “I’ve found myself a peeping tom. He knows our treasure is here and now we’ll have to get rid of him.” He was tired of the killing, but he couldn’t see any way to keep this kid alive. He’d broken their code and code must be obeyed. If someone finds their treasure room, be it male or female, they had to die.
The commander decided to put it off as long as possible, so he told the others to take the treasure and the kid to the ship”. They would find a more pleasurable way to kill the boy,” he said. The brothers would be shocked because they didn’t believe in marauders. They were just a myth and Joe thought the same. Marauders they were and they took their treasure, Joe and journeyed back to their ship. They knew that they could never come back to this land again. If one found it then others might not be far behind.
Joe didn’t need to understand the language to understand what his fate was to be. He sadly said goodbye to his father, brother’s and his home. He knew he’d never see it again and most likely wouldn’t see much of anything again once they got aboard the marauders ship. The ship came in view and everyone boarded, except for the leader and Joe. The walked towards the planked and climbed up to the ship.............................
Part 4 tomorrow
Can We Pay The Price When The Cost Is Everything - 2
In a galaxy, far, far away, there lived a father, a mother and 5 sons. They lived on a planet that was lush and had anything that anyone could ask for. The mother got pregnant with their sixth child. She had a hard labor, but she delivered another healthy son. She lost so much blood, that she died right after she handed the child to her husband and told him to take care of this child for he carried the last of her within him. They named him Joe.
The father knew it was wrong to have a favorite child, but he did. He would let Joe get away with things that he would never let his older sons get away with. When Joe was 13 his father gave him his own port a craft. The father limited Joe's use of the craft to the sphere of their world. The other brothers couldn’t travel like that until they were 16. They were getting quite annoyed with Joe.
The father let Joe take his craft off world when he was 15. That was the straw that finally broke the camel’s back. The brothers weren’t allowed off world until they were 21. The 5 older brothers had a meeting and decided that something needed to be done about Joe. They all exclaimed, “yea, it’s Joe this and Joe that. What will he get to next that we couldn’t do at his age. Maybe he’ll be allowed to get married. He’s dating this hot little number right now. I know none of us wouldn’t mind having a go......” I regress, so back to the story.
The brothers finally decided to get rid of Joe. There was a large cave on the other side of the planet and if they left him without any food and water, he’d never be found. They told Joe that their dad wanted him to go to this cave and find a treasure that was left there just for him. So Joe said, alright. He went and the brothers disabled his craft, took his food and water, then left him to die.
The eldest brother started having an attack of a guilty conscience, so he went back to bring the kid home. He knew he would have to come clean, remembering how old his dad was and that Joe's death would devastate him. He just couldn’t hurt his dad this way. They would just have to figure out something else. The eldest brother took off for the cave and when he arrived, Joe was nowhere to be found. He yelled until he had no voice left. He searched for days, but couldn’t find Joe. The eldest brother went home and told the other brothers what he did. They all said they were having the same attack of conscience and were also getting ready to head back to the cave and pick Joe up.
All five brothers went back to the cave. They stayed for a week and found nothing. They went home in utter defeat. They realized they were going to have to tell their dad something so they devised a plan. They said they were attacked by marauders and they were after their port a crafts. The 5 brothers told of how bravely they fought and destroyed the machines rather than hand them over. The marauders got so mad that they took Joe with them. They all knew they had to destroy their machines by burning them and breaking them into a million pieces. Their dad would want to go to the cave and see the evidence. With great reluctance they destroyed all the machines and started to walk home.
Part 3 tomorrow
The father knew it was wrong to have a favorite child, but he did. He would let Joe get away with things that he would never let his older sons get away with. When Joe was 13 his father gave him his own port a craft. The father limited Joe's use of the craft to the sphere of their world. The other brothers couldn’t travel like that until they were 16. They were getting quite annoyed with Joe.
The father let Joe take his craft off world when he was 15. That was the straw that finally broke the camel’s back. The brothers weren’t allowed off world until they were 21. The 5 older brothers had a meeting and decided that something needed to be done about Joe. They all exclaimed, “yea, it’s Joe this and Joe that. What will he get to next that we couldn’t do at his age. Maybe he’ll be allowed to get married. He’s dating this hot little number right now. I know none of us wouldn’t mind having a go......” I regress, so back to the story.
The brothers finally decided to get rid of Joe. There was a large cave on the other side of the planet and if they left him without any food and water, he’d never be found. They told Joe that their dad wanted him to go to this cave and find a treasure that was left there just for him. So Joe said, alright. He went and the brothers disabled his craft, took his food and water, then left him to die.
The eldest brother started having an attack of a guilty conscience, so he went back to bring the kid home. He knew he would have to come clean, remembering how old his dad was and that Joe's death would devastate him. He just couldn’t hurt his dad this way. They would just have to figure out something else. The eldest brother took off for the cave and when he arrived, Joe was nowhere to be found. He yelled until he had no voice left. He searched for days, but couldn’t find Joe. The eldest brother went home and told the other brothers what he did. They all said they were having the same attack of conscience and were also getting ready to head back to the cave and pick Joe up.
All five brothers went back to the cave. They stayed for a week and found nothing. They went home in utter defeat. They realized they were going to have to tell their dad something so they devised a plan. They said they were attacked by marauders and they were after their port a crafts. The 5 brothers told of how bravely they fought and destroyed the machines rather than hand them over. The marauders got so mad that they took Joe with them. They all knew they had to destroy their machines by burning them and breaking them into a million pieces. Their dad would want to go to the cave and see the evidence. With great reluctance they destroyed all the machines and started to walk home.
Part 3 tomorrow
Monday, July 13, 2009
Can We Pay The Price When The Cost Is Everything
In 1982, Twila Paris wrote a song for Melody Green when Melody's husband Keith and several of their children died in a plane crash. I've posted the song that Twila wrote for Melody and ask that you read the words and take them to heart.
Many are broken, wounded, bleeding and believe that there is no way to over come what they're going through. I to am in a situation that could destroy me or I can cling to the only hope I have. Jesus. I'll write my thoughts on Tuesday. God bless you. Song's title is simple but profound.
Can I trust you?
Sometimes my little heart can't understand
What's in Your will, what's in Your plan.
So many times I'm tempted to ask You why,
But I can never forget it for long.
Lord, what You do could not be wrong.
So I believe You, even when I must cry.
Do I trust You, Lord?
Does the river flow?
Do I trust You, Lord?
Does the north wind blow?
You can see my heart,
You can read my mind,
And You got to know
That I would rather die
Than to lose my faith
In the One I love.
Do I trust You, Lord?
Do I trust You?
I know the answers, I've given them all.
But suddenly now, I feel so small.
Shaken down to the cavity in my soul.
I know the doctrine and theology,
But right now they don't mean much to me.
This time there's only one thing I've got to know.
Do I trust You, Lord?
Does the robin sing?
Do I trust You, Lord?
Does it rain in spring?
You can see my heart,
You can read my mind,
And You got to know
That I would rather die
Than to lose my faith
In the One I love.
Do I trust You, Lord?
Do I trust You?
I will trust You, Lord, when I don't know why.
I will trust You, Lord, till the day I die.
I will trust You, Lord, when I'm blind with pain!
You were God before, and You'll never change.
I will trust You.
I will trust You.
I will trust You, Lord.
I will trust You.
Thursday, July 9, 2009
Honor Given Where Honor Is Due - 5
Part 5, From Yesterday’s Post
How could anyone forget December 11th, 2001. Terrorists with radical ideas whom are willing to die for them attacked the Twin Towers in New York, the Pentagon and would have attacked Washington DC if brave men and women hadn’t crashed the plane before it had gotten to our nations capitol.
My Father-in-law, retired Colonel, B.F. Simmons of the United States Air Force told us that one of the offices bombed out in the Pentagon used to be his when he was there. What a sobering thought. Dad used to serve in the Medical Administration in the Air Force Medical Service Corp, also he was the co-ordinate Air Medical Evacuation out of CINCPAC during the Viet Nam war. During the Viet Nam War Dad would fly to the Mash units in helicopters. He said that bullets would fly by the open helicopter doors all of the time. My husband and I a very proud that we have many distinguished military in both of our families.
We are now at a crossroads in our nation. Things are going haywire. Our nation has had problems before, but the one constant has been the strength and dedication of our military. We need to appreciate all that they do. They stay behind the scenes and we really don’t know a small portion of what they do to keep us free and safe.
Our military has always been voluntary (except during the Nam war). Men and women have boldly, bravely and loyally answered the call to protect our nation. I’m proud of our military and I thank them for all that they do for us. You allow freedom to reign. You allow our flag to fly free and proud. You allow us to sleep at night in peace with no fear that someone is going to come and drag us out of our homes because we disagree with them.
There are many more courageous, brave and bold incidences through out our nations history that our men and women have accomplished. It would take to long to list them all. Our heritage is long and rich. Because of the dedication of our military we are definitely, “the land of the free, and the home of the brave”.
Honor Given Where Honor Is Due - 4
Part 4, From Yesterday’s Post
My brother, Gary joined the military in 1969. For some reason he did not get sent to Viet Nam. He did however get sent to the DMZ zone between the two Korea’s many times. Gary was there in 1976 when we received a letter from him. He told us that he couldn’t tell us what was going on and he was sleeping with his gun. Gary wanted us to please pray for him and our nation. We all had goose bumps after we received Gary’s letter.
Later on we found out that the “Tree/Hatchet Incident” had taken place on August 18th of 1976. Several American soldiers and South Koreans went into the Neutral Zone to trim a tree that was blocking the Americans view . The North Korean leader ordered, “mikunulchi ki cha”, to kill the American soldiers. Thirty North Koreans bludgeoned eleven of our soldiers to death with the end of their machetes. My brother knew two of the men. They were young and with families.
President Ford order a decree that was kept quiet. He sent a message to the North Koreans saying that if they didn’t hand over the men that committed this heinous crime we would be at war. America did not know how close to war we were. Like any other bully, North Korea saw the threat was real and handed over the men to our authority. Our President and military stood strong and prevailed over evil once again.
My brother’s son joined the military and became an 82nd Airborne. Dale joined in the late 80's. On December 20th, 1989 our Rangers from Charlie Company, 3rd Battalion, 75th Ranger Regiment and the 82nd Airborne attacked Panama. My brother found out that his son was jumping into Panama as the invasion was taking place. Silence and stealth were necessary for victory.
Our military invaded to remove Manuel Noriega because the then President George Bush knew that the Panama Canal was soon reverting back into Panama’s hands and Noriega had strong ties to many of our enemies. It would have been very dangerous for us as a nation if Noriega had been in power after the transfer of ownership.
Part 5, Tomorrow
Wednesday, July 8, 2009
Honor Given Where Honor Is Due - 3
Part 3, From Yesterday’s Post
On December 8th, 1941, President Theordore Roosevelt, gave the great “Infamy speach”. The last few paragraphs woke up a nation that began to prepare for war.
President Roosevelt’s speech ended with,
But always will our whole nation remember the character of the onslaught against us. No matter how long it may take us to overcome this premeditated invasion, the American people in their righteous might will win through to absolute victory.
I believe that I interpret the will of the Congress and of the people when I assert that we will not only defend ourselves to the uttermost but will make it very certain that this form of treachery wi ll never again endanger us.
Hostilities exist. There is no blinking at the fact that our people, our territory and our interests are in grave danger.
With confidence in our armed forces—with the un-bounding determination of our people—we will gain the inevitable triumph—so help us God.
I ask that the Congress declare that since the unprovoked and dastardly attack by Japan on Sunday, December 7th, 1941, a state of war has existed between the United States and the Japanese Empire.”
Japanese General Isoroku Yamamoto was against the Attack on Pearl Harbor, but once it was inevitable, he planned the attack. Shortly after the attack of Pearl Harbor he said, "I fear all we have done is to awaken a sleeping giant and fill him with a terrible resolve." His premonition became a reality. We awoke and we built. Our men went to war and our women built the machine’s that were needed for the war.
Near the end of the war in Iwo Jima Admiral Chester A Nimitz stated that, “Among the Americans serving on Iwo Island, uncommon valor was a common virtue.” Many said that Iwo Jima was the battlefield that closely resembled the Biblical vision of Hell. Iwo Jima was eight square miles of volcanic ash, pumice and sand. The Marines had the honor of taking Iwo Jima and take it they did.
Iwo Jima was the bloodiest battle in the war and in all of Marine history. They had more casualties than the Union Army at Gettysburg. The battle was responsible for over 1/4 of all the Medals of Honor awarded to Marines during World War II. The picture of the Marines raising the flag on Iwo Jima is the most honored and reproduced photograph of all time. I have been at the Memorial in Virginia. You can’t help but stand in awe, silence and respect when standing in front of it.
Secretary of the Navy James Forrestal told a friend that, “ the raising of that flag on Suribachi means a Marine Corps for the next 500 years." He also came out with this little ditty:
Storm'd at with shot and shell
Bravely they rode and well
Into the Jaws of Death
Into the Mouth of Hell
Part 4, Tomorrow
Tuesday, July 7, 2009
Honor Given Where Honor Is Due - 2
Part 2 , From Yesterday’s Post
In August of 1781 during the Revolutionary War in Yorktown, Virginia, a major battle took place. Major Cornwallis of the British army knew that if he could take Yorktown, the war would end in their favor. General George Washington had different ideas though. Benjamin Franklin had been reaching out to the French for assistance throughout the whole war and they finally came through. With the French’s aid, General Washington was able to defeat the British and Major Cornwallis was forced to surrender on October 19, 1781. Cornwallis was right, the Yorktown battle did turn the tide of the war, but in America’s favor. The war went on for two more years and we prevailed.
Before the war began, we didn’t have a military. Each state saw to its own needs and never saw the need for a national military. When the need arose, the Congress appointed General George Washington to form a national army to stave off the British. At first it looked impossible. Men would leave when they felt like it to go home and see to the needs of their farm.
Slowly, but surely General Washington earned the respect and loyalty of his men. He took a group of rag tag men and eventually turned them into an army that could stand up to the British and win freedom for our people. The Revolutionary War was the birth place of our military that we have today. Slowly over the years, The United States saw the need to have a military so that we could defend ourselves against attack.
Over the years, we have had our ups and downs in the might of our Army, but December 7th, 1941, would change the face of our military for ever. The Japanese took umbrage against us and attacked Pearl Harbor. We had become fat and lazy and unprepared and Japan thought that we would be an easy conquest. Little did Japan know.
Part 3, Tomorrow
Sunday, July 5, 2009
Honor Given Where Honor Is Due - 1
"Oh, say can you see by the dawn's early light
What so proudly we hailed at the twilight's last gleaming?
Whose broad stripes and bright stars thru the perilous fight,
O'er the ramparts we watched were so gallantly streaming?
And the rocket's red glare, the bombs bursting in air,
Gave proof through the night that our flag was still there.
Oh, say does that star-spangled banner yet wave
O'er the land of the free and the home of the brave?”
What a rich heritage we have as a nation. The Star Spangled Banner says it all, especially the last line, “O’er the land of the free and the home of the brave?”. We ARE the land of the free and the home of the brave. I started thinking about how we have stayed safe since the inception of our nation.
A young lawyer, named Frances Scott Key lived during the War of 1812. He agreed to broker a peace treaty between the Americans and the British. The British ships were anchored in Baltimore Harbor and Mr. Key was taken aboard the H.M.S. Surprise. The British wouldn’t listen to Mr. Key's terms of peace until after they bombarded Fr. McHenry in Baltimore, Maryland through the night.
Before the battle began, Major George Armistead, whom later became a renowned General in the Civil War, asked for a gigantic flag to be made so that the British couldn’t help but see it from their vessels. By the time it was finished it measured 30 by 42 feet. It must have been an amazing sight.
The stage was set. Many British vessels surrounded Ft. McHenry. Major Amistead and his men bravely waited for the attack to begin. The British carried 220 pound bombshells. The Americans sunk 22 British vessels before the attack, so that the British couldn’t get as close as they wold like. At 1 am on September 14th, 1814 the bombardment began.
Mr. Key watched from the inside of the H.M.S. Surprise. Probably all he could see were the lights from the exploding bombs. The shelling continued until the dawn hours, then suddenly there was silence. Smoke filled the air. Mr. Key didn’t know if the flag was still flying high or not. When he looked out again, the smoke had cleared and the flag was still standing, battered, yet proudly swaying in the wind for all to see. Mr. Key began to write.
Our military had withstood an unbelievable onslaught. The British stopped the attack. They didn’t think Ft. McHenry was worth any more effort. The tide turned because our military withstood all that had happened that night and started the beginning of the end of the War of 1812.
Part 2 Tomorrow
Wednesday, July 1, 2009
Women's Roles Within the Church Structure - 8
Post VIII from yesterday’s post
In the early 80's I worked on Capitol Hill for several years and I would like to share a few experiences with you. I used to cover hearings when NOW or Planned Parenthood were involved. Both organizations were looking for funding to help educate our children on their sexuality. The specific hearing I’m thinking of took place in 1981. Planned Parenthood produced a movie and wanted it shown in our elementary schools. You had to be 18 and older and were carded before entering the room where the movie was to be shown. I sat down next to an African American woman. She was gorgeous, poised, elegant and regal. She was introduced as the President of Planned Parenthood, Ms. Faye Waddleton. She presented her case with intelligence and grace until......
Senator Jeremiah Denton was the Senior Senator of the Title X program hearing. Title X grants government funding to organizations that are approved of by the committee. The movie was shown. It was a couple in the act of intercourse and they were not completely covered. In 1981 the movie would have been considered pornographic. Planned Parenthood wanted this movie shown to our 1st thru 6th graders. Senator Denton denied her petition. Ms. Waddleton stood up and started talking in guttural and graphic language. She changed from a poised career woman to a street wise woman in the blink of an eye.
Near the end of my Capitol Hill career I was taking the Metro, the underground train system, into the city. I was eight months pregnant and was waddling toward the seats saved for pregnant women. Two young men in their early to mid twenties pushed me out of the way, grabbed the two seats and laughed in my face. A woman had to get up and said loudly, “I guess I’ll have to be the man here and let this woman sit in my seat.” They ignored her and the woman gave me her seat. This is another example of feminism at work. Men are taught to disrespect women and women are taught to disrespect men. Our society is out of control because we have adopted and adapted to the feminist principles even to some extent within the church.
God intended for men and women to respect and honor each other. Since Adam and Eve and the fall our roles have been polluted with Satan’s lies. I truly believe that one of Satan’s biggest lies is the feminist movement. Does your belief system come from the Suffragette movement or the Feminist movement? If a person takes the time to look into both issues, it will truly change your outlook on the role of women today, especially within the church.
Earlier, I stated that I’m a Complemetarian and now I’ll add that I’m a Suffragette follower as well. I’m in the minority on the issue of women in church government, especially amongst women. Still, I’m comfortable with who I am. I don’t need to fight man for the top position within my church. I’m completely capable of doing the job, but why would I want to? My opinions are respected and taken seriously by both my husband and the church leaders. My voice is heard and taken into account, and like Deborah, Priscilla and Susan B. Anthony I am content with the purpose and role God has set for me to fulfill within and outside of the church.
In the early 80's I worked on Capitol Hill for several years and I would like to share a few experiences with you. I used to cover hearings when NOW or Planned Parenthood were involved. Both organizations were looking for funding to help educate our children on their sexuality. The specific hearing I’m thinking of took place in 1981. Planned Parenthood produced a movie and wanted it shown in our elementary schools. You had to be 18 and older and were carded before entering the room where the movie was to be shown. I sat down next to an African American woman. She was gorgeous, poised, elegant and regal. She was introduced as the President of Planned Parenthood, Ms. Faye Waddleton. She presented her case with intelligence and grace until......
Senator Jeremiah Denton was the Senior Senator of the Title X program hearing. Title X grants government funding to organizations that are approved of by the committee. The movie was shown. It was a couple in the act of intercourse and they were not completely covered. In 1981 the movie would have been considered pornographic. Planned Parenthood wanted this movie shown to our 1st thru 6th graders. Senator Denton denied her petition. Ms. Waddleton stood up and started talking in guttural and graphic language. She changed from a poised career woman to a street wise woman in the blink of an eye.
Near the end of my Capitol Hill career I was taking the Metro, the underground train system, into the city. I was eight months pregnant and was waddling toward the seats saved for pregnant women. Two young men in their early to mid twenties pushed me out of the way, grabbed the two seats and laughed in my face. A woman had to get up and said loudly, “I guess I’ll have to be the man here and let this woman sit in my seat.” They ignored her and the woman gave me her seat. This is another example of feminism at work. Men are taught to disrespect women and women are taught to disrespect men. Our society is out of control because we have adopted and adapted to the feminist principles even to some extent within the church.
God intended for men and women to respect and honor each other. Since Adam and Eve and the fall our roles have been polluted with Satan’s lies. I truly believe that one of Satan’s biggest lies is the feminist movement. Does your belief system come from the Suffragette movement or the Feminist movement? If a person takes the time to look into both issues, it will truly change your outlook on the role of women today, especially within the church.
Earlier, I stated that I’m a Complemetarian and now I’ll add that I’m a Suffragette follower as well. I’m in the minority on the issue of women in church government, especially amongst women. Still, I’m comfortable with who I am. I don’t need to fight man for the top position within my church. I’m completely capable of doing the job, but why would I want to? My opinions are respected and taken seriously by both my husband and the church leaders. My voice is heard and taken into account, and like Deborah, Priscilla and Susan B. Anthony I am content with the purpose and role God has set for me to fulfill within and outside of the church.
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