When Ryan proposed marriage, I was completely shocked, so
much I couldn’t answer him. I started to
cry and I couldn’t speak. Finally he
said, “Tina, what is your answer?” It
will always be a moment in our relationship I will never forget. Although Ryan made the complete day special,
it was a remarkable step towards adulthood, it was “time” to grow-up. As we started talking about our future I was
very nervous about cooking, cleaning, and learning to be a good wife. When I shared my concern with Ryan he wasn’t
worried about it. He said, “Tina, you
are a smart woman.” “You know how to
read, so I am sure you will figure it out.”
We laughed about my concern but true enough, I learned how to cook. Now, it’s a laughing joke between us, it was
a silly concern. Now I am not saying I
never burnt a dish or under-cooked something, it was a learning curve. Yet, I will never forget Ryan's special request for fajitas. I was so excited to make his special dish, I wanted it to be a surprise dinner for two. Before he arrived home from work I cleaned
the house, made the meal, and got myself ready so he would totally
surprised. The aroma of the fajitas
filled the entire house; I couldn’t wait for the door to be opened. As Ryan entered the house he said, “Wow,
something smells good!” “Did you do this
for me?” "Let me wash for dinner!" "I can't wait to eat it." As Ryan went up to wash for dinner, I opened the oven to pull
out the fajitas it smelled so good, I couldn’t wait to eat them. As I sat the dish down on top of the oven
pads, the dish completely shattered all over the table. As I stood in the kitchen with the enormous
mess, Ryan entered the kitchen. When
our eyes met, I just started to cry, I was so disappointed. 
Sometimes life will leave you standing in utter shock and
disappointment; no words can express how you feel. Crying is a good way of expressing it but
it’s not going to get the job done, there is still fajitas and broken glass to
clean up.
Right now, I believe America is a pivotal point of change;
we are broken to the core. Our eyes are
upon each other sins, so we are attacking each other. Instead of realizing our decisions or the
lack of responsibility led us to this point, we will never change until we are
truthful. We are ALL responsible for the state of this nation if we claim to be an American. If we truly claim to be an American, we will
uphold the Constitution, pray for our government, be a voice when needed, and
be a good citizen. If we want America to
change, it begins with me. It can’t
start anywhere else until I can be truthful with God and myself. It’s the foundation of where change begins,
it’s a decision only I can make.
Decisions are not always easy to make but I have a moral obligation to
those who rely upon me for future generations.
Do we really realize our decisions and behaviors now can affect future
generations? If so, WHAT ARE YOU DOING
TO CHANGE IT? It’s very heartbreaking to watch the foundation of this nation
crumble. When you truly study our
nation’s foundation, it was founded upon prayer and the Bible. Sadly, our nation has turned away from it, we
are watching the results. Are we ashamed
of the state of affairs of this nation? Does
it break our spirit about what’s taken place in recent years? What about the current events? Does it move you to action for good or for bad? Or does it just cause you to shake your head with no movement to change it.
It’s time for America
to wear sackcloth, it’s time to bow our heads and reflect upon where we are. Should we mourn our yesterdays? Maybe but that’s not what I am talking about,
we should be mourning the state of this nation, it’s broken. When you study the Scriptures, sackcloth was
worn for times of mourning over loss whether personally or nationally. It’s time to be mournful, broken, and
truthful before God. It’s where the
birth of revival begins, a repentant heart. II Kings 19:1-2 When King Hezekiah heard this, he tore his clothes and put on sackcloth and went into the temple of the Lord. He sent Eliakim the palace administrator, Shebna the secretary and the leading priests, all wearing sackcloth, to the prophet Isaiah son of Amoz.
As a
Christian, preacher, and an American I have a moral obligation to God, my
calling, and my nation. It’s not a
responsibility I can ignore, it’s my duty.
It’s a personal conviction of my life, I owe to the future of my
children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. Even if I am only one voice, I
will be voice of truth, conviction, and support for this nation. Maybe the foundation has crumbled but it
doesn’t mean it can’t be restored. Maybe
the rubble around us may seem overwhelming but I choose to work towards a
solution for a better America. Can this
nation be restored? Absolutely! Yet, it will never be restored until we quit
blaming each other and realize we are ALL to blame for this mess. Who’s going to rebuild it? Either we can pick-up the broken pieces to
throw at each other or we can use it to rebuild our future. What will you do with the stone in your
hand? YOU have a choice in this
situation to either be a problem or a solution. If you truly love this nation as profess: DO
YOUR PART by being honesty, walk with integrity, and love each other to
rebuild this land. Truth is we have to be broken and humbled before God, He is the only One who can heal it. We can’t rebuild anything until
we are united to work together for OUR PEOPLE.
Keep in mind the children of Israel were warned several times before the
Babylonian Captivity took place. Instead
of having a repentant heart towards the warning; they ignore the voice of
God. As a result the nation was
attacked, people in captivity, and their nation was destroyed with only rubble
and fire left. Only a remnant of people
worked with Nehemiah to rebuild it, a few willing people who completed the
task. It’s going to be a major work spiritually
and physically to rebuild America, it’s no small undertaking. We can’t expect America to be rebuilt with
only voices screaming; it’s rebuilt with dedicated hands to work and pray. May we remember what we lost, so we can be
focused to restore what’s vital to rebuild.
Maybe we don’t know where to begin; I choose to start with a solid
foundation, the Word of God. I choose to
be moved to prayer, fasting, and broken over what’s happening to my
nation. If Nehemiah could transform his
nation in 52 days, I choose to believe God will do it again. It’s going to take faith, dedication, prayer,
and hard work but I am willing to pick-up a shovel or open my hand to help
someone in need. What about you?
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