The Power to Overcome
Today during some of the very limited TV viewing I do I watched some commemoritive services for Rosa Parks, including the '99 awarding of the Congressional Gold Medal. I also saw some others stories of atheletes overcoming incredible odds and it got me to thinking of all those others with so much to overcome, like the peoples of Iraq and Afganistan or even in our freest of all nations with a sordid racial past. There are millions of little triumphs everyday we don't hear about of people overcoming personal handicaps or injury to succeed anyway.
In the sports world the comebacks of Lance Armstrong from cancer and Hermann Meir from a devastating motorcycle accident to once again to rule the downhill skislopes are incredibly inspiring and well known as are many others. Credit to CBS for this story of a teenager in Nebraska, she is one of the states top young atheletes, volleyball, basketball and is the top miler in the state track and field. The only differrence in her and her peers is she has cystic fibrosis and an impregnable positive spirit to overcome a disease with a life expectacy of just 35 years. I have worked with handicapped folks and as a child I remember their sheer joy for life even if they didn't have the abilities I have.
What does this have to do with Rosa Parks? As a classic southern lady she was faced with a mountain of an obstacle to overcome and bueyed by her faith in the Lord she lifted her eyes up and saw the top of that mountain and began to climb never looking back and with the summit in her sites that we are equal in God's eyes not the government's. Her climbing partner was her minister the unknown Dr. Martin Luther King. Two ordinary, God loving american citizens stood up for their rights peacefully, forcefully and rightiously. A world apart from the words of Louis Farrakan, today and his separatist, segregationist movement, shame her legacy, one they wish to triumph. I grew up in George Wallace run Alabama and have worshipped at the 16th Street Babtist Church and have met many Rosa Parks in my years. Dr. Rice came from the same region of Alabama and is now the most powerful woman in the world. She overcame her obstacles and pursued her goals, a gifted pianist, diplomat, historian, possibly the first woman POTUS and overseer of the greatest political reformation in the history of the middle-east. The only barriors in this country are self imposed and built by a failing school system.
Historically this great nation faces great challenge with dynamic solutions and as a result we learn and grow and become a better country for it. We are facing great challenges again with the threat of islamo-fascism, not all of Islam is radical but 10% of a billion is alot of jihadiist murderers. Despite the Cindy Sheehans and Ward Churchills out there spewing their retoric america must overcome this obstacle as we have so many times before.
I will leave you with my two favorite quotes from our founding.
"Contemplate the mangled bodies of your countrymen, and then say, 'What should be the reward of such sacrifices?' ... If ye love wealth better than liberty, the tranquility of servitude than the animating contest of freedom, go from us in peace. We ask not your counsels or arms. Crouch down and lick the hands which feed you. May your chains sit lightly upon you, and may posterity forget that ye were our countrymen!" --Samuel Adams
"It is in vain, sir, to extentuate the matter. Gentlemen may cry, Peace, Peace--but there is no peace. The war is actually begun! The next gale that sweeps from the north will bring to our ears the clash of resounding arms! Our brethren are already in the field! Why stand we here idle? What is it that gentlemen wish? What would they have? Is life so dear, or peace so sweet, as to be purchased at the price of chains and slavery? Forbid it, Almighty God! I know not what course others may take; but as for me, give me liberty or give me death!"--Patrick Henry
God Bless America!!!
ps. One of my favorite sources Bill Roggio is off to Iraq and this interview with the marine col. that invited him is enlightening. I have been in contact with Bill and will get it hot from the press.
Also welcome a new addition to the Barnyard, Tug Boat Cap'n , another country boy with his eye on america and a fellow free market capitalist, a keyboard salute from the rest of us varied critters in the Barnyard. Lorez at Just a Woman and Mark at 4 Rows Back also have wonderful posts up. Mark's is especially touching having worn those shoes before. A BarnYard salute to Mark and his efforts!