What is “Patriotism” and how do you express it?
That is a question that I have often asked myself. I look around at homes in nearly every neighborhood and see American flags proudly displayed. They are flown high on poles that reach up into the sky pointing to the Heavens above. Some are displayed on shorter poles set at a slight angle; the flag is draped below and seems to bow to those who pass by. The image of this, in my mind, makes me remember the soldiers who fought, with their last breath, for our freedom on the many fields of war. Is the act of displaying a flag Patriotism? Yes, it is patriotic to fly a flag, but anyone can hang a flag. Maybe Patriotism is being a soldier, but what about those of us who chose not to, or could not, become a soldier? Are they any less patriotic? Patriotism is not a physical item that can be held up high and shown to others. It is not a flag, an eagle, or even a copy of our Declaration of Independence or Constitution. These are all symbols that represent a free America, but they do not represent what Patriotism truly is. So, what is Patriotism? Patriotism is spiritual, much like having faith in God. You believe God is there and that he will hear your prayers, but you cannot see or touch God, in a literal and physical manner, as you can see and touch your child. The spirit of God is within all of us just the same as Patriotism. A believer in God devotes their love, support and loyalty to following the Ten Commandments, brought down the mountain by Moses. They will defend the word of God, praise and worship him and carry his words with them through everything they do or say. Is Patriotism any different? Today there was a news story about a young 11 year old lady. Her name is Harper Gruzins and I believe she is a Patriot. She has a talent that she shares, with the permission and guidance of her parents, Karlis and Kelli, to anyone who will listen to her beautiful voice. The news story tells us that Miss Harper is being criticized for her performance of the American National Anthem at a Major League Soccer Game. Listening to her performance, and watching the faces of those in attendance it is clear she had great difficulty singing the song clearly and well. As it turns out, she has successfully sung it beautifully at other events. As she stated later to FoxNews.com, ““It wasn’t my best performance because I couldn’t hear myself and the blow horns got me off key. But God allowed this to happen, so I know it’s what he wants." That, my friends, is Patriotism! Harper Gruzins, with a deep devotion of faith in God, stood in front of thousands of people and belted out our National Anthem. Most honest Americans will admit that they wouldn’t ever try doing the same. She admits it wasn’t her best performance, but she didn’t quit and walk off, instead she displayed the same courage that a soldier would do on the battlefield when face to face with the enemy. She pressed on, word by word, note by note, to the bitter yet strong end. Harpers loyalty toward our nation, her devoted love of our country, and her faith in knowing that she is just an instrument by stating, “God allowed this to happen” is Patriotism. Patriotism is faith, it is support, it is loyalty, and it is love for and defense of one’s own country. Patriotism is felt in the heart and then displayed through our words, our voices and our actions, much the same as our faith in God. Do not criticize Harper Gruzins for standing up proudly to show her love for America, instead congratulate her for her bravery and for being a Patriot! Watch Harper Gruzins beautifully sing the National Anthem here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=b0K6MjsFWkM
3 Comments
jackie
10/8/2012 04:59:53 am
Wonderful..
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