Post by Rainbowcycle on Jan 30, 2005 0:02:48 GMT -6
Just a little report about the prayer rally in Baton Rouge in support of our troops in Iraq. It was a very moving experience. A young man who lost a leg in the war and was pictured in the recent past running with President Bush was among the speakers at the rally today. He was such an inspiration, not in the least bit resentful or bitter but supportive of his "brothers" who are still in battle. This brave young Louisiana man runs in marathons on a regular basis and speaks at numerous rallies, all for the cause of the fighting men and women and all for the needs of the wounded who return to the states to begin life anew with multiple handicaps but unwavering spirits. Another very touching moment at the rally today was the reading of the poem "Watching your back." A little boy read the first verse which ended with the words, "My daddy's watching your back." Then, a striking young blonde woman read the verse which concluded with the words, "My husband's watching your back." A tearful mother then came to the podium and continued her part of the poem which ended with the words, "My son's watching your back." Finally, a young man and woman, a married couple who were on leave from their tour of duty in Iraq, read the last verse of the poem and the young soldier brought the poem to a close with the words, "I'm watching your back." By that time, everyone was crying in humble gratitude for the soldiers who are watching our backs and keeping our nation safe from terrorists. A very articulate priest spoke about "just war" and explained through the passage from the prophet Isaiah that good men cannot stand by idly and do nothing when others are oppressed. He pointed out what the Old Testament prophet had to say about our obligation to aid those who live in suffering and need and under the thumb of tyrants. Here is that most meaningful quote which speaks of what just men are obligated to do:
" . . . to loose the bonds of wickedness, to undo the thongs of the yoke, to let the oppressed go free, and to break every yoke. To share your bread with the hungry, and bring the homeless poor into your house; when you see the naked, to cover him . . ..
. . . you shall be called the repairer of the breach, the restorer of streets to dwell in." (Isaiah 58)
The names of the fallen soldiers from Louisiana (31, I believe) were read and a bell was solemnly struck for each who gave his life for freedom. The families of many of these young people who paid the ultimate price were in attendance. Some were holding pictures of their soldiers or banners with their names on them.
It was very cold and damp, but as one mother said, "My son's putting his life on the line every day. The least I can do is put up with a little discomfort to come and pray for him and his comrades." There was a nice crowd in attendance; there should have been a multitude.
Today, Sunday, January 30, 2005, is probably one of the most dangerous since the war began. Please, please, please PRAY, PRAY, PRAY all day. It's the least we can do, as that dear mother said.
God bless,
Bonnie Barry
With God's permisssion from my very good friend, and to put soccer somewhat in its just perpective, Rainbowcycle
" . . . to loose the bonds of wickedness, to undo the thongs of the yoke, to let the oppressed go free, and to break every yoke. To share your bread with the hungry, and bring the homeless poor into your house; when you see the naked, to cover him . . ..
. . . you shall be called the repairer of the breach, the restorer of streets to dwell in." (Isaiah 58)
The names of the fallen soldiers from Louisiana (31, I believe) were read and a bell was solemnly struck for each who gave his life for freedom. The families of many of these young people who paid the ultimate price were in attendance. Some were holding pictures of their soldiers or banners with their names on them.
It was very cold and damp, but as one mother said, "My son's putting his life on the line every day. The least I can do is put up with a little discomfort to come and pray for him and his comrades." There was a nice crowd in attendance; there should have been a multitude.
Today, Sunday, January 30, 2005, is probably one of the most dangerous since the war began. Please, please, please PRAY, PRAY, PRAY all day. It's the least we can do, as that dear mother said.
God bless,
Bonnie Barry
With God's permisssion from my very good friend, and to put soccer somewhat in its just perpective, Rainbowcycle
