Thursday Thoughts: Post 4th Musings

Powerful thought as we pass the 4th of July celebrations. It's important to remember our history as a nation, and what occurred between then and now. It always makes me sad when I reflect on the people who truly founded this beautiful place, and what heartache they endured. | My moms side has a little Cherokee, so I've always had mixed feelings about celebrating certain holidays, without also fully acknowledging what else went on during those times as well. All history has both a good and bad side to it, and we shouldn't pick and chose what we share and teach. The sacrifices of so many shouldn't be forgotten while we selectively celebrate other lives and enjoy our fireworks and flags. 

I'm very thankful for where I live; we are richly blessed by the sacrifice of many, many brave lives that made to make it what it is today: home. Amazing people from all walks of life have had a hand in the freedoms we celebrate now, even when their own freedoms were sacrificed. The best way to honor our ancestors, is to acknowledge their existence and the roles they played in shaping our nation. Part of progressing forward involves also reflecting backwards and learning from history. (This really isn't just a US post; all over the world, civilizations have repeated the same scenarios over and over for thousands of years.) Sacrifices shouldn't be forgotten, and one creed shouldn't be put above another. What some think was a nation founded on religious freedom, was actually one  founded on the bloodshed and slavery of innocent lives. We should acknowledge their sacrifices as well in our celebrations. 

Saturday Musings: Pericles, History, Politics

This was supposed to be posted under, "Thursday Thoughts" but after a look at my recent posts, I realized I had it saved as a draft instead of publishing it. So, here is what I wanted to share with you today. I hope it challenges you to research, from various sources, and learn more about the things going on in our world today. 

So thought provoking, and accurate. Pericles knew well, even in his time how true this statement was. Centuries later, it is still highly applicable. When we stop caring and turn a blind eye to the things happening around us; when we allow people in our government to commit crimes in our name without questioning them...we are just as guilty as they are. Often times the people who become complacent and don't take a a stand against corruption, become the very ones who are affected the most by it. Always question, always research. It is ok to change your mind on topics the more you mature and grow. I certainly have changed my mind on so many things, even over the past few years alone. Your entire life is a learning process. I think the best place to start would be to learn from what's already occurred in our history.