Friday, October 31, 2008

Close to Home

When you've sacrificed time, moeny, and more, for a country other than your own, your perspective changes. Do I like war? Do I want it to continue forever? No. Peace sounds good to me. However, I also understand that there wasn't a single priesthood member in either Afghanistan or Iraq before this war. That this group of people have no idea who Christ is, nor will they ever know if the gospel of Jesus Christ is forbidden, if they are not free. We were born to privilege, and with that comes specific obligations (a line from Ever AFter, thank you!) But it's true. why should America sit in our "bubble" of a perfect world, spoiled rotton, and do nothing? Yes, we are a freedom loving people, and don't we wish this same thing on others? Why shouldn't we promote democracy throughout the world? Were their mistakes made in Iraq, yes, I will never deny it. But I can hold my head high as I think about the sacrifice we've (josh) has made on behalf of those who have no rights. That he was a part of "spreading the gospel throughout the corners of the Earth" as it says in a personal blessing of his.

8 comments:

Crystal said...

It's funny you should mention the priesthood holders there. I got an email from our friend Erick in Afghanistan. Just a few weeks ago the first ever military district was organized in Afghanistan. That's pretty cool and I'd say the work is going forward.

slopsemafamily said...

Thank you for reminding us once again of the honor it is to be an American and the privilege it is to have a voice! Thank you Josh and fam for your many sacrifices on behalf of my family.

Megan

The Galan Family said...

Don't leave yourself out of the sacrifice part Lucy. You had to make a sacrifice too having him gone, so we all have a small part. Our families suffer. But it is true, we have been blessed and with that blessing and knowledge comes responsibility no matter the cost. Thanks for the reminder. Not very many people look at this war and this world from a gospel perspective.

Sarah said...

Wow. Thanks for the clip. Things like that move the heck out of me. And, as always, I'm right there with ya.

becca said...

wow, very cool clip. I am really looking forward to voting this year. You make an excellent point.

Unknown said...

Great message! Loved it!

Gwenda said...

Cool clip, and thanks Josh for all you've done!

{leah} said...

I had this on my blog too. Thank you for posting it so more people can see it. It's pretty powerful.

"Only two defining forces have ever offered to die for you. Jesus Christ & the American G.I."