Today I was watching a fantastic film called The Lord of the Rings. I didn't watch it completely as I had other chores to do, but I came in before the battle scene where the good guys (Aragorn, Pippin, Merry, Gandalf, Legolas, etc) were going to fight the dark-hearted, evil creatures.
The scene alone was very powerful. It was so powerful that it made me do a text-to-world connection. I thought about all those immensely brave soldiers that have seen their death, have come face-to-face with it, and tried to deny it victory. I thought about the incredible loyalty and faith that they must've had, to remain at their post, in formation, to not run and quake, but to stand firm with their brethren and head onward. What dedication and everlasting allegiance must they have had to their leaders and their country. I honestly can't even imagine what it must've been like for them to have seen the things that they have seen, to see the life of their companions leave their bodies at the strike of a sword from the "enemy". I sigh because personally, I believe war can be avoided. Yes, there are some matters that do require violence, that requires us to risk our lives and protect what we know and love, to do what is right. But, if there are matters that turn into arguments, that turn into wars - all because of a simple disagreement that could've been worked out - then that just involuntarily forms a frown on my face. I believe that people can meet half way. Everything isn't just black and white. People can choose to open their minds and see other perspectives. In the following link, Martin Luther King expresses his wise thoughts on war, a definite must read: Words from The King.
Like President Kennedy once said, "Mankind must put an end on war or war will put an end on mankind." As ridiculous as it sounds, sometimes our words can influence someone or a group far more than our weapons. Individuals like Martin Luther King, Jr. and Rosa Parks made differences without violence. Their only weapon was their intent for the greater good of the masses.
Before ending this post, I want to thank all the selfless individuals that have fought for our country, for our liberty, for our families, for us to live a beautiful tomorrow. I want to thank all the families that have had to bid adieu to their husbands, wives, brothers, sisters, daughters and sons, fathers and mothers - to their loved ones, for they have been so ever strong. I want to thank all the friends and family that have given those soldiers their love and support from a distance, that prayed a little prayer every night so that their solider could make it home. I say a little prayer with you.
I want to thank any and all those that have honored and remembered fallen and current soldiers. Your gratefulness is one of the things that empower them to do what they do.
A solider doesn't necessarily always go out into battle, but they contribute their time and their life to the army, time spent away from their loved ones and although their wounds wouldn't show on their bodies like a typical solider you picture, their wounds can be internal (ie. doctors, nurses).
If you see a man or woman in uniform, know of, or have a friend who's father or mother, or brother is in the force - turn to that person, and thank them. Thank them from the bottom of your heart, not just for what their loved one does, but for them being strong.
"For to be free is not merely to cast off one's chains, but to live in a way that respects and enhances the freedom of others". - Nelson Mandela
The scene alone was very powerful. It was so powerful that it made me do a text-to-world connection. I thought about all those immensely brave soldiers that have seen their death, have come face-to-face with it, and tried to deny it victory. I thought about the incredible loyalty and faith that they must've had, to remain at their post, in formation, to not run and quake, but to stand firm with their brethren and head onward. What dedication and everlasting allegiance must they have had to their leaders and their country. I honestly can't even imagine what it must've been like for them to have seen the things that they have seen, to see the life of their companions leave their bodies at the strike of a sword from the "enemy". I sigh because personally, I believe war can be avoided. Yes, there are some matters that do require violence, that requires us to risk our lives and protect what we know and love, to do what is right. But, if there are matters that turn into arguments, that turn into wars - all because of a simple disagreement that could've been worked out - then that just involuntarily forms a frown on my face. I believe that people can meet half way. Everything isn't just black and white. People can choose to open their minds and see other perspectives. In the following link, Martin Luther King expresses his wise thoughts on war, a definite must read: Words from The King.
Like President Kennedy once said, "Mankind must put an end on war or war will put an end on mankind." As ridiculous as it sounds, sometimes our words can influence someone or a group far more than our weapons. Individuals like Martin Luther King, Jr. and Rosa Parks made differences without violence. Their only weapon was their intent for the greater good of the masses.
Before ending this post, I want to thank all the selfless individuals that have fought for our country, for our liberty, for our families, for us to live a beautiful tomorrow. I want to thank all the families that have had to bid adieu to their husbands, wives, brothers, sisters, daughters and sons, fathers and mothers - to their loved ones, for they have been so ever strong. I want to thank all the friends and family that have given those soldiers their love and support from a distance, that prayed a little prayer every night so that their solider could make it home. I say a little prayer with you.
I want to thank any and all those that have honored and remembered fallen and current soldiers. Your gratefulness is one of the things that empower them to do what they do.
A solider doesn't necessarily always go out into battle, but they contribute their time and their life to the army, time spent away from their loved ones and although their wounds wouldn't show on their bodies like a typical solider you picture, their wounds can be internal (ie. doctors, nurses).
If you see a man or woman in uniform, know of, or have a friend who's father or mother, or brother is in the force - turn to that person, and thank them. Thank them from the bottom of your heart, not just for what their loved one does, but for them being strong.
"For to be free is not merely to cast off one's chains, but to live in a way that respects and enhances the freedom of others". - Nelson Mandela
For to be free is not merely to cast off one's chains, but to live in a way that respects and enhances the freedom of others.
Nelson Mandela
Read more at http://www.brainyquote.com/quotes/topics/topic_freedom.html#3fcR8MAwSe34wrQy.99
Nelson Mandela
Read more at http://www.brainyquote.com/quotes/topics/topic_freedom.html#3fcR8MAwSe34wrQy.99
For to be free is not merely to cast off one's chains, but to live in a way that respects and enhances the freedom of others.
Nelson Mandela
Read more at http://www.brainyquote.com/quotes/topics/topic_freedom.html#3fcR8MAwSe34wrQy.99
Nelson Mandela
Read more at http://www.brainyquote.com/quotes/topics/topic_freedom.html#3fcR8MAwSe34wrQy.99
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