June 28, 2020
Contributing to the Chaos while
Living – Life – Large
Dan Abernathy
June 28, 2020
As we formulate and organize ourselves for the celebration of our nation this July fourth, Independence Day, perhaps it is time for all of us as a Nation to look at just what our Nation is, and what it means to be an American.
Within these confines of chaos, where anarchy is being welcomed, even invited, there is an extreme importance to find calmness and remember what evokes your gratitude. We all must look beyond what is being said and done to find the moments of positive reflection. With this light, perhaps we can find a path of peace.
This date is a time that gratitude should be shown for our country. It is about The Untied States of America. It does not matter what your political beliefs are. It doesn’t matter what your religions beliefs might be. It doesn’t even matter what your personal beliefs are. What matters is that you are living in a country that allows you the freedom to believe in whatever you desire.
I hear to often people putting our country down and complaining about every little thing they perceive is wrong with it. I see people desecrating the American flag, refusing to stand during the national anthem as they attack what America is. Vandalizing the flag has no real outcome to resolve the issues of their grievance.
What I see when I look beyond this loud voice of hatred I see a shameful weakness. We as people are quick to blame, yet very slow in accepting responsibility for the cause of what is happening. There is a massive lack of respect and appreciation for America, our home, and the place where we all live.
Just because you disagree with the politics or government, doesn't mean you must proclaim a hate for the country. The country is of the people, the land, and our culture, all of our culture no matter what your heritage may be.
If you were born here, then respect the place where you were born. If you have immigrated here, you should have reverence for the country that accepted you and gave you the opportunity to be part of this Nation.
If you're going to complain and protest about an issue in our country, why do it with an intolerant attitude? Make your complaints civil and they will hold more meaning and be heard louder. We live in a democratic republic, which means our Nation is what we have made it. If you don't like something about it, don't blame the country.
Respecting our Nation shows that we have integrity and that we love our country.
Realize how lucky we are to live in a country with so many liberties, liberties that a lot of countries and people do not have or have never known.
So when you see our flag proudly waving give it a moment of your time, show some respect for just what it stands for. That ol’ Red, White and Blue is the symbol that gives you the right to believe in what you want, and to peacefully voice your opinion about what you do not.
The people that, out of ignorance disrespect the flag are thinking it is another monument that needs torn down. Turn your back to their actions and tightly the grip on your honor of the flag. Be the American that gives them the right to be a free American.
I think of Johnny Cash’s song, That Ragged Old Flag. Now more than ever, when the history of America is no longer allowed to be in America, we all need to listen to this powerful song and glimpse at why respecting the flag is so important.
In Cash’s song he says, “I don't like to brag but we're kinda proud of that ragged old flag… now they've about quit waving her back here at home. In her own good land she's been abused. She's been burned, dishonored, denied, and refused.
“And the government for which she stands is scandalized throughout the land. She’s getting threadbare and wearing thin, but she’s in good shape for the shape she is in, ‘cause she’s been through the fire before and I believe she can take a whole lot more.”
By not rising, or placing your hand on your heart when the anthem is played and the flag is waving freely, you are showing disrespect towards a wonderful country and the many brave people that freely gave their lives to allow you to be you.
So on this celebration of our independence when in 1776, our forefathers lead thirteen colonies to break free from English rule, find a small space for silence and fulfill the need for reflection on “just.”
What has been seemingly misplaced, by so many people is a small word that means so much. A simple word, that not always can be seen, but rolls within the movements of every Ragged Old Flag that is. So many people have forgotten what, “just,” really means.
Just is not, just a brief moment preceding time. Just is based on right and keeping with truth. It is living with truth, reason, justice, and fairness, all to be lived with a calm and rational way of being. - dbA
You can find more, free spirited and unfiltered insight of Dan Abernathy and his wandering travels at www.contributechaos.com