October 16, 2007
Thankful to be American
My wife and I read this long story in our Rockford paper this morning and we were both moved to tears. There are so many things to think about after reading a story like this, but I think the thought that was foremost on our minds as we drank our morning coffee was thankfulness to God for our country.
Even though I think it is not best to have the flag in the church (and that offends some), I know that Jennie and I would gladly have a family portrait with the American flag as a way of saying, “Thank you.” Especially when overwhelmed with all of the perks of freedom that we have taken for granted like, for example, the freedom to not say things or to be totally alone.
Ask Pepe what he likes most about his new country, and he doesn’t immediately bring up stores stocked to the gills with goods. He doesn’t mention the cars, endless gizmos and big houses or attending the church of his choice.Instead, he takes you into one of his home’s small bedrooms.
“Close the door,” Pepe says. “What do you hear? Nothing. It is totally quiet. You see, what I value is the freedom to say what I want or to not say anything at all. The freedom to be alone. In my whole life up until now, I never was alone in a room.”
This entry was posted in the following categories: Politics and Culture
I love this story! When we were in the poverty stricken village of Media Luna, Mexico this summer, I met a wonderful Christian family. Their dream is to come here. They could make the journey illegally, but instead “since they are Christians now”, they are praying to come legally. I promised them that if they came legally that they could stay with us here in Rockford until they found work. Unfortunately, I doubt they will ever be able to come. But if Oscar and Meme and the kids show up on my doorstep someday, then Morning Star can help out!
Posted by: karyn at October 16, 2007 10:43 AMOur church started a spanish outreach several years ago. We have mostly illegals that attend and have seen many come to Christ. One couple came unmarried and pregnant. In God’s timing they both received Christ and after the birth of their first child were properly wed. They had a second baby, but still here illegally. Through the faithful teaching of God’s Word, and the work of the Holy Spirit, they came to our Spanish Pastor and told him they were tired of breaking the law and as Christians knew they were living in sin. The wife has since moved back to Mexico with their children and the husband leaves within the month. The story you mentioned is a blessing and I thought that one about this couple would bring hope and assurance in the God of the Word and that there is the sweet working of the Spirit of Grace in the lives of all (leagal and illeagal).
Posted by: Kyle Sullivan at October 16, 2007 11:16 AMAfter reading your introduction to the story I found it myself in our copy of the paper and read it while I ate lunch. It is definitely a very moving story and I think that we Americans who are born here take so much of our freedoms for granted.
