Lt. Colonel Oliver North

This past weekend, Debra and I were blessed to attend the Freedom Concert in Atlanta, Georgia. This concert weekend was a Christmas gift (from 2008) from our son and his family. Hosted by Sean Hannity and the Freedom Alliance it was a stirring tribute to the men and women who are serving our nation during the wars of Iraq and Afghanistan, and to raise money to provide education for the children of those killed in action.

One of the highlights of the weekend was my opportunity to have Lt. Colonel Oliver North sign a book entitled "Heroes," and have a brief moment to meet him. I have to tell you, I've followed Colonel North since before the Reagan administration, and consider him to be a great American hero. His service to our nation in the United States Marine Corps and in the National Security Administration of the Reagan Administration, and most recently as an avid support of the United States Military and first responders. His efforts have been tireless to bring attention to the needs of our military and veterans.

When I finally met Colonel North, I stopped and saluted him. As I shook his hand, I looked him in the eye and said, "thank you for your service, God bless you for all you do." His response was a humble smile as he said, "God bless you, I love you, man." Now, that was the highlight of the day for me.

The concert featured several notables in the entertainment industry, actor Jon Voight, groups Charlie Daniels, Billy Ray Cyrus and Lee Greenwood. Among Christian writer/singers, the best for me was when Michael W. Smith sang and shared a testimony of God's grace. He is an absolutely amazing musician and Christian witness.

An other feature of the night was a live feed from a forward-operating base in Iraq, and the families of the servicemen being able to video conference with their family on stage. Toward the end of the night, families of men killed in action were brought on stage and a great outpouring of love from the crowd of 20,000 plus stood on their feet.

Of course, the trip included two stops at restaurants we've wanted to visit for a long time, The Varsity (at the campus of Georgia Tech) where we had their famous hot dogs and the Silver Skillet, world-known for their biscuits and country breakfasts.

It was an enjoyable weekend that provided some downtime after an amazingly busy and stressful week. Thanks to the kids for making this possible.

Anyone interested in Colonel North's group FREEDOM ALLIANCE may find more information at: www.freedomalliance.org

Comments

Karen and Milton said…

I thoroughly enjoyed reading this post. God bless you. . .

4:03 PM

Come Down From That Ivory Tower

Hebrews 11 has become known as the "Hall of Faith." The reason is quite simple. The writer spends a great deal of time giving a role call of the heroes of the faith. After all, this chapter is about faith, and what better way to teach faith than to illustrate with some real-life examples. Mos of the people in this chapter are well-known, at least by anyone who spent time squirming in a Sunday School class as a small child, or who watched the late-night movies on the local channels featuring their stories. Who were they? Abel, Enoch and Noah. Abel pleased God with his excellent offering, Enoch was so close to God that he actually walked with God to the point that one evening, while walking God said to Enoch, "we are closer to my house than we are yours, so why don't you just go home with me?" Of course, Noah built an ark (according to God's instructions) that saved mankind from total destruction. Then there was Abraham...the father of the faithful. He...

A question about your church...

This last few days I have been in the State of Kentucky. I came here with my wife, whose father was having medical tests as of the results of a probable heart attack. He seems to be doing well (as of tonight) and is scheduled for one more test, then hopefully he will be released and further treatments to bring him to health. While this is a scary moment for my wife's family it has also been a time to step away from the daily work and observe others around us. Since Debra's father is a pastor (Church of God of Prophecy, Central City, KY) there have been visits from the State Presiding Bishop, Scott Gillum, area pastors and of course some of his church members. It is heartening to watch the love and concern that is show by those visiting. There has also been quite a few of Debra's extended family here, along with her younger brother and his family. I've watch the nurses and technicians at the Owensboro Medical Center demonstrate concern and what seems to be good care...

On my way to a resurrection

Someone asked, "Are you on your way to another funeral?" My answer was, "No, I am on my way to a resurrection." Tonight, after having preached my sister's funeral, two church members funerals and visiting a friend whose brother had passed away, I had a little quiet time in my home office. As I often do, I reach for an old book I've found that some books written long ago can speak to my heart. This time, it was a book published in 1946. This passage from J.B. Chapman touched my heart, hope it does yours too. Victor Hugo exclaimed, "The frosts of seventy winters are on my head, but the springtime of eternal youth is in my heart." "Sometimes we look at the gray hair of a ripening saint, and say, "Old man, the frosts of many winters are on your head." But he answers, "That is not frost. I am getting ready to wear the crown of life, and my hair is taking on tint agreeable to the color scheme." We say, "Ol...

Voice of Hope

Search This Blog