Remember Who You Are and Whose You Are

By Peggy W. Lester –

We have just celebrated the holiday of Thanksgiving here in the States. At this time of year, people express more thankfulness than any other time of the year. We have programs giving turkeys, food, money, etc. All of these programs are good; it is good to be thankful…but what about the rest of the year? Shouldn’t we be thankful then, as well? I’m speaking to myself, too!

I’ve been married 45 years, two great sons, two wonderful daughter-in-loves and five of the best grandchildren there are…(yes, I am partial). My husband has a good job, we all are very healthy and our means of living, though declined in the past few months, is adequate. We may not be getting everything “we want” but God has promised to meet all our needs and He has been faithful, as He promised.

History was one of the classes I enjoyed in school, thanks to the teacher I had. He made it very interesting. All I had to do was listen when he lectured, which was challenging at times; but, I would usually make good grades on the test. When we studied about our founding fathers and the history of our country it was very interesting to me. My family was a church going family so the prospect of our founding fathers wanting religious freedom, I could understand.

I am concerned today whether our children and grandchildren understand our founding fathers and their original purpose for which our country was founded? I have heard, not explored the books myself, that a lot of our original history has been changed, excluded or diluted from the way it happened. Whose fault is that? Maybe mine and/or maybe yours!!

On many of the mission trips I have been on the last 30 plus years, the children in the villages do not get to go to school because they cannot afford uniforms due to their poverty; or, because they live too far from the school. When I was in India last year, I learned a lot about their culture. One of the most impressive things was how they value education. They go to any extreme to get an education. There is no dating, no early fixed marriages, college is a must and then an established job before parents even begin to look for a suitable mate for their children. We see evidences of this Indian culture in our States since every other doctor, dentist, business executive or highly educated person is of this nationality. Do our American children highly esteem their education??

How about our Biblical education today in the Church? As we see some of our privileges as Christians being challenged today, are we spiritually strong enough to stand firm for what we believe? Remember many fathers of our faith found in the Bible, gave their lives for the cause of Christ. Have we today compromised our faith…the faith our American founding fathers gave their lives for…the freedom that thousands of soldiers have died for…freedom for people to “burn the American flag” if they chose to…freedom of speech to bash the Bible and Christianity…freedom to live anyway you want no matter who it hurts or what is Scriptural. What has happened to our Godly heritage? It appears to be likened to the “slow boiling frog in the cool water, which boils him to death on the stove without his ever realizing it” syndrome!

I don’t want to be a “Debbie downer” this time of year. I just want you to examine where you are as a Christian and American and be “thankful”. We all could stand to be a little more “Christ like” in our lives, me included. This country is a great one and God has not turned His back on us yet. Let’s continue to stand firm for the cause of America and the cause of Christ.

The Christmas holidays are quickly approaching us. Let’s remember the real reason we celebrate Christmas; without the birth of Christ, there is no Christmas. I am praying we all will remember and be thankful for the real reason for Christmas! Blessings to you and yours this special time of year!

Peggy W. Lester © 11.28.11

Peggy W. Lester is the founder of Spreading His Fragrance Near and Far, Inc. Her desire is to take the Gospel to those who haven’t heard, to disciple those desiring to grow in their faith and to share the healing balm of Jesus to those who have been wounded in life. She has a Bachelor’s Degree in Christian counseling and is ordained through FCFI located in Indiana. She lives with husband, Don, about 35 miles West of Atlanta, Georgia. Website: http://www.peggywlester.com/