Monday, March 24, 2008

Reality Check

Reality Check

Jana E. Longfellow's picture
Faith

It was so hot today, it nearly made me faint. As I laughed about the heat with our sexton from our church... she hates the heat just as much as I do... she said something that has been haunting me all day long.

"Just imagine those soldiers in Iraq, I hear it gets over a hundred every day....and they are wearing all that heavy equipment...And all those babies dying over where you want to visit, Jana, over in Africa..."

Indeed.

The temperature in Baghdad, Iraq will be 111 degrees tomorrow, and up to 122 in other areas of the country. No air conditioning for the soldiers, no Route 44 Cherry Limeade, no relief.

We have an obligation to keep these men and women in our hearts and in our prayers every morning, noon and night... and pray for their safe return as soon as possible. Here in the comfort of our safe homes, lulled by the media that celebrities being sent to jail is newsworthy, we have grown complacent to the fact that a war is waging.

We need to pray for them, and for the children and innocent victims of the terrorism around the world, villages ravaged by war, natural disasters, famine and drought. We are all pretty darn spoiled living here in the U.S.

Thank you, Miss Joyce, for reminding me.

Watch this video with images from the beauty of our planet and the lovely words of a late singer that would have been singing songs of an end to war and hunger if he were alive today.

Let Time Go Lightly

Now, pray. And vote responsibly each and every time there is an election day. If you don't attend a church that contributes to a charity (and I believe they all do), then get out that check book and start your own "tithing". There are charities that need your support, whether it be local charities, national, or global.

Forget sensationalized and money making books like "The Secret" and make some positive changes in your own life by donating, volunteering, and advocating for causes that you are passionate about. Whether it be for humans or animals, who cares, just create your own positive energy by giving back. And thank the angels on earth that wake you up like Miss Joyce did for me today, they are seem to say the right thing at the right time when you are feeling all "me, me, me" and remind you that you are but a speck on this big blue planet.

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Great Post, Jana

Thank you for jumping on the soapbox, Jana. I think that it helps to be reminded that no matter the situation, there is usually someone worse off.

I was reading that the temperature in Iraq can reach 140 degrees in August and September. This is also the season of the sandstorm there. Look up sandstorms on Google or Youtube to see some astonishing pictures.

I wanted to send something to my nephew in Iraq that would be helpful so I checked the www.anysoldier.com website to see what the soldiers had on their wishlist. Several people were asking for I-fans and the cool ties that you soak in water and wear around the neck.

I found some I-fans at Walmart. They look similar to an I-Pod, but are little plastic fans that hang around the neck. They direct air up into your face or neck area. With the heatwave, Walmart probably sold out, but I was able to get five of them to send. I also sent him a cool mist bottle. It was the size of a water bottle, with a case and strap that can be filled with water and pumped up with air.
Then you open a valve on the end of a tube that sprays a cool mist of water.

I worry about Ryan for many reasons, but at present, he is working the night shift and sleeping during the day in a tent in Western Iraq. I can't imagine that he gets much sleep.

Notwithstanding the soldier's situation, think of those in our own community that do not have air conditioning. It is a reality for many.

Let us pray indeed.

Beth Johnson's picture

My heart is full

Thank you for your post Jana. We are so comfortable with our AC homes, AC cars, pools, ceiling fans, and cool clean water to drink. I for one, become very complacent...that you for the wake up call this morning. My heart is full of prayers for our military men and women.

Life won't always be easy, but it can and should be rewarding.

Thank you

Thank you for the reminder....
So very timely.







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