A True and Courageous Hero

I am a civilian.
I enroll myself in a monotonous life full of school, family, and late night basketball practices.
I live oblivious of the blood and tears shed, the lives lost and forever changed, all as a result of the desired pleasure of the seven letters of freedom.
I, along with many, know not what it takes to be that one, the one I’ll forevermore know as my true hero.

Despite his lack of "super-hero" status, Superman, nor Spiderman, not even Cat Woman has ever accomplished what my hero has.
My hero was not born with special powers. He cannot become invisible, or fly over the world unassisted.
However, what he does for you and me is better than anything a make-believe character could ever fathom.

His uniform may be camouflage, navy, or brown, but he serves the red white and blue.
He daily makes a choice to leave behind his spouse, children, family, and loved ones, telling them goodbye, not knowing if he’ll ever return.
He picks up his weapons and holds his head high as he prays a silent prayer and courageously goes off to battle.

I may never comprehend what goes through his mind as he spends his last moments on earth. I may never comprehend the joy of coming home to family and loved ones when the hope of such joy had long ago been relinquished. I may never comprehend the pain and sorrow associated with him leaving and, furthermore, his no return.

However, that which I can comprehend is sheer gratitude.
Men and women, families and friends: I thank you for your willing sacrifice to serve this country. I thank you for all that you have done and will do. May honor and respect follow your every footstep of every pathway that you take.
Fear not to take God with you. He desires to be your Friend, Companion, Healer, and Comforter. If you let Him, He will save you from the nightmares that bring about sleepless nights for you and your family.
May God bless you and your efforts.

Be Him

The love of God is there for you.
He loves you beyond all imagination,
And wants you to prosper.

‘Till the end, He will be there
Smiling, encouraging, and loving.
Be strong and courageous, He’ll fill in the rest.

You’re the Daughter of the Most High God,
What more could one ask for?
A car, a knight in shining armor, and an endless money supply?
These things will not last, no matter how great,
They’ll be gone when you die.

Keep your eyes on Him,
On His glory and majesty.
Give Him your heart, your soul, and mind.
With this He will make you great,
You’re like putty in the Master’s hand.

For you...much He has in store.
Not all will you know now,
But soon will He reveal.
Once you know, go at it with 100%,
For that’s how God can bless you.

Obey Him, Follow Him.
Know Him, Love Him.
BE HIM!

At the End of the Day

At the end of the day...

My "friends" take off their masks to reveal upon me a monstrous vengeance.
My "true" friends take a knife to my heart, showing a complete disregard of my friendship as they tell me how much they don't respect me.

I lay down my head and cry out to God that He will forgive me of the mistakes that I had made, mistakes that I can't bear to reminisce over, mistakes that my "friends" feel are unpardonable. I pray that, as the sun rises the next day, I can be a better person, that I can make less mistakes, strive for perfection, love Him a little bit more, trust Him a little bit more. I pray that the words that seem to be an effluent out of my mouth will please Him. I pray that I can be the best person that I can be, that, with God's help, the feeble person that I am without Him, will find unimaginable success in this overwhelming world of knives and blood. I pray that, with His guidance, I can make an impact on those around me, that just by living with God and under His standards, I may be the powerful witness He needs me to be.

As dawn strikes, the sun rises, and I silently send prayers to heaven, that the new day would be exactly that---a new day, full of new hope and vigor, esteem and strength. But, at the end of the day, only God can save me from the pit of fear, shame, hurt, and sorrow that the day's events have brought upon me. Only God can rejoice with me about the favor and blessings, the happiness and joy that His love has sent for me.

I will never live up to the standards that man sets before me. I will never meet the incomprehensible principles that my "friends" and family attempt to force upon me with each new rising and setting of the sun. I will never, and I'm not about to try.

Shadow Dwelling

Stop living in the shadows of those who surround you, and start making your own shadow.
Be who God wants you to be. Desire a life full of His blessings and love that comes with living in-step with His plans for you!