So I had a really, really hard experience in Philosophy today. I've noticed a trend throughout the semester with the students in the class that argue against Christianity. The class is not supposed to cover religious premises, but it's almost impossible for them not to come up, as the topics we discuss pose moral dilemmas.
Just as a prelude, here's the video we watched at the end of class:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B_hyT7_Bx9o
Okay, so if you watched it, you might know why I was so deeply disturbed. If you aren't sure what the big hubbub is, let me tell you.
Let me first say that I'm not angry or upset at the people that made the video. What hurts me the most is that we, as Christians have largely failed to do what Christ has called us to do. I felt such a sense of conviction and wrongness after watching this video because it caused me to ask myself, "How do I present God to the world? What do my actions say about salvation?"
Jack Black's portrayal of Jesus just really, really hurts. This "Jesus" uses the Bible to turn Christianity against itself by claiming Christians pick and choose which rules we want to follow and which rules we want to overlook. First of all, that's not the way Christianity works, but I will admit that is the way we as Christians and sinners often behave. Secondly, I think the greatest problem with this video and many others' arguments against Christianity is the lack of understanding of salvation that is given to us through Christ's life, death, and resurrection.
Some recognize the Bible calling for husbands to stone their wives (Deuteronomy 22) and for us to carry out the "eye for an eye" ideal (Exodus 21:23-25). However, Jesus tells us these things in the New Testament:
“You have heard that it was said, ‘An eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth.’ But I say to you, Do not resist the one who is evil. But if anyone slaps you on the right cheek, turn to him the other also."
--Matthew 5:38-39
"Teacher, this woman has been caught in the act of adultery. Now in the Law Moses commanded us to stone such women. So what do you say?” This they said to test him, that they might have some charge to bring against him. Jesus bent down and wrote with his finger on the ground. And as they continued to ask him, he stood up and said to them, “Let him who is without sin among you be the first to throw a stone at her.” And once more he bent down and wrote on the ground. But when they heard it, they went away one by one, beginning with the older ones, and Jesus was left alone with the woman standing before him. Jesus stood up and said to her, “Woman, where are they? Has no one condemned you?” She said, “No one, Lord.” And Jesus said, “Neither do I condemn you; go, and from now on sin no more.”
--John 8:4-11
This is what's so incredible about Christianity: Jesus. When He died on the cross, we were told, "It is finished" (John 19:30). But what was finished? So many things. God's covenant to us was fulfilled, completed in the flesh. Jesus showed us how to live and breathe as God's people. Jesus is the example of the characteristics of love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control that we are called to exude as God's children (Galatians 5:22). Jesus' incredible sacrifice saved us from having to seek retribution from others for their wrongdoings. It saved us from having to stone sinners because Jesus sacrifice literally covered it all.
Hard to believe? Yeah, Christianity is pretty incredible. We sin, we do bad things, but the fact that Jesus died for those sins makes everything okay. All He asks we do is believe He is our savior. Knowing He made that sacrifice and seeing how Christians have presented themselves is why I feel so convicted. We have suggested to the world that we are better than everyone, that we pick and choose our morality. What the heck, y'all. I've done so many things so incredibly wrong, how can I possibly look down on others? But of course, I still do.
Jesus is love. I'm so proud to live in a country where I am allowed to express that love freely, without government intervention. And that is why I will defend my country: to defend that freedom. Yeah, I'm trained to kill and sometimes that's hard to grapple with, but more than anything, my objective is to protect my country, love those who don't understand my faith, and hope to show Christ's mercy to those who only know hate.
If you aren't a Christian, I pray that you will understand Christianity is not about condemning others for their sins and trying to be "better" than everyone else. Christianity is about shaping our lives to show God's love for everyone and sometimes we just get that horribly wrong. To Christians, take this as a challenge. Allow God to absolutely change your life and fill your heart with love, mercy, compassion, and personal conviction. God has been so, so good to us. Let's return the favor.
Thursday, November 17, 2011
Saturday, September 24, 2011
Mac 'n' Cheese
Don't ask me about the title, it's just what Kenzie suggested.
I guess I should preface this story by letting y'all know I have a "job." One night a week, I'm a hostess at Louie's, a restaurant/bar on Henderson here in Dallas. It's owned by an awesome Greek family and it was featured on Diners, Drive-Ins, and Dives so it tends to be a pretty busy place. Here's the link in case you're curious:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HtO7j9FJd0E
Basically last night the entire staff (who are all really close with each other) found out I am going to be a Marine officer so that was the banter of the night. I was reading The Art of War and one of the bartenders asked what class I had to read it for. No class, just for me.
At the end of the night, Louie and I were sitting at the bar chit-chattin' and he just said, "Man you are full of surprises."
Am I really? I guess I never really understand it when people say that to me. Maybe it's because I'm not from around here, so people aren't so used to my type. And while I may be "full of surprises," God has really put a word on my mind lately: consistency.
There are a couple different definitions for consistency:
1) "Steadfast adherence to the same principles, course, form, etc."
2) "Agreement, harmony, or compatibility, especially correspondence or uniformity among the parts of a complex thing."
Who knew, 1 Corinthians 15:58 says, "Therefore, my beloved brothers, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that in the Lord your labor is not in vain."
Being consistent in our actions can be incredibly hard, especially since we're surrounded by so many things that point us in the wrong direction. But here's something that makes being consistent so much easier: our "labor is not in vain." We're not acting for our own good, but for the glory of God and we're all in it together. What's even better is we're not simply acting, we're abounding. To me, that looks like being full in Christ to the point where his amazing love pours out to others through our actions. How awesome is that?
This aligns with my last blog, but things get so much easier when we stop trying to live to impress others or to benefit ourselves. One word in the definition for consistency really gets me: "harmony." We can't be consistent all on our own...believe me, I've tried and failed. Miserably.
Just like at OCS, things just work better when you try not to do it all on your own. I wouldn't be anywhere without my friends and I feel like my relationship with Christ is one that requires that harmony. There are plenty of times when I know I really want something and Christ is trying to tell me "No," but I just keep on ignoring. When I finally get over myself and me and God work in harmony, great things happen. There are a lot of different types of people in the world and trying to please every single one is exhausting. Sincere love, though, is something everyone can appreciate. Consistent in love? Bring it on.
I guess I should preface this story by letting y'all know I have a "job." One night a week, I'm a hostess at Louie's, a restaurant/bar on Henderson here in Dallas. It's owned by an awesome Greek family and it was featured on Diners, Drive-Ins, and Dives so it tends to be a pretty busy place. Here's the link in case you're curious:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HtO7j9FJd0E
Basically last night the entire staff (who are all really close with each other) found out I am going to be a Marine officer so that was the banter of the night. I was reading The Art of War and one of the bartenders asked what class I had to read it for. No class, just for me.
At the end of the night, Louie and I were sitting at the bar chit-chattin' and he just said, "Man you are full of surprises."
Am I really? I guess I never really understand it when people say that to me. Maybe it's because I'm not from around here, so people aren't so used to my type. And while I may be "full of surprises," God has really put a word on my mind lately: consistency.
There are a couple different definitions for consistency:
1) "Steadfast adherence to the same principles, course, form, etc."
2) "Agreement, harmony, or compatibility, especially correspondence or uniformity among the parts of a complex thing."
Who knew, 1 Corinthians 15:58 says, "Therefore, my beloved brothers, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that in the Lord your labor is not in vain."
Being consistent in our actions can be incredibly hard, especially since we're surrounded by so many things that point us in the wrong direction. But here's something that makes being consistent so much easier: our "labor is not in vain." We're not acting for our own good, but for the glory of God and we're all in it together. What's even better is we're not simply acting, we're abounding. To me, that looks like being full in Christ to the point where his amazing love pours out to others through our actions. How awesome is that?
This aligns with my last blog, but things get so much easier when we stop trying to live to impress others or to benefit ourselves. One word in the definition for consistency really gets me: "harmony." We can't be consistent all on our own...believe me, I've tried and failed. Miserably.
Just like at OCS, things just work better when you try not to do it all on your own. I wouldn't be anywhere without my friends and I feel like my relationship with Christ is one that requires that harmony. There are plenty of times when I know I really want something and Christ is trying to tell me "No," but I just keep on ignoring. When I finally get over myself and me and God work in harmony, great things happen. There are a lot of different types of people in the world and trying to please every single one is exhausting. Sincere love, though, is something everyone can appreciate. Consistent in love? Bring it on.
Wednesday, September 14, 2011
Willie's Wisdom
I'm laying in bed, listening to Willie and Waylon. I'd have to disagree with them, though. Mama's, it's okay to let your babies grow up to be cowboys.
Anyhoo, it's not often that I have time to put time into my blog so I'll do it tonight.
My few weeks working with the youth at HPUMC has been such a blessing. Even though I wasn't in high school that long ago, talking with my girls, hearing their struggles and joys makes me realize how much I've grown and how good God is to us.
So the study we're doing now is called "The Social Network" and we're basing our discussions on the people around us and how they affect our relationship with Christ. When we take a moment to stop and think about what drives us through our daily lives, our friends and other relationships are often crucial to that motivation. That doesn't necessarily have to be a bad thing as long as God is at the center of those friendships.
Tonight hit me a little bit harder because we talked about dating and relationships and how we put ourselves into "that world." I think I used to worry about dating someone on my same level socially. I wasn't worried so much about what that person thought about me and how he made me feel but I was worried about what other people thought when they saw us and how he could make me seem a whole lot cooler than I really am. That's not to say I dated horrible people in high school or wasn't genuine in my intentions, but those intentions came from the wrong place...
One of my friends told me a disturbing story the other day. She said she was talking to a new friend and mentioned the fact that she remained single throughout college. He promptly said, "Oh, you're one of those girls." Is that really where our value comes from? Whether we date in college or not? I must be waaaaay down on the cool ladder.
I'm so glad God has led me in the direction He has because He's forced me to look at myself when I'm at both my best and my worst and find out who I really am beneath all my obnoxious smiles. I've become so much more comfortable with that person and less worried about finding someone who will improve my social status. God's showing me how important it is to find someone who just makes me want to be a better person and pursue Him first.
Certainly, it takes patience and y'all know that anxious feeling I talked about last blog? Yeah, I have to try really, really hard not to get worked up about what God has in store for my relationships. I've got a whole lot of growing and learning to do but I've already made so much progress with the friends and mentors I have here at SMU.
So a thought for ya before I nod off:
Look forward to culminating the relationships you currently have and know God will probably send someone new whom you may need...or who may need you. We're here to walk together and I have to say, my friends have some pretty strong arms because they've pulled me out of some pretty deep, dark holes over the last few years. So if any of y'all read this, thank you, thank you, thank you. You've shown me boundless love and remind me daily of how blessed I am.
I'll let God have the last word:
"Let love be genuine. Abhor what is evil; hold fast to what is good. Love one another with brotherly affection. Outdo one another in showing honor. Do not be slothful in zeal, be fervent in spirit, serve the Lord. Rejoice in hope, be patient in tribulation, be constant in prayer."
--Romans 12:9-12
Anyhoo, it's not often that I have time to put time into my blog so I'll do it tonight.
My few weeks working with the youth at HPUMC has been such a blessing. Even though I wasn't in high school that long ago, talking with my girls, hearing their struggles and joys makes me realize how much I've grown and how good God is to us.
So the study we're doing now is called "The Social Network" and we're basing our discussions on the people around us and how they affect our relationship with Christ. When we take a moment to stop and think about what drives us through our daily lives, our friends and other relationships are often crucial to that motivation. That doesn't necessarily have to be a bad thing as long as God is at the center of those friendships.
Tonight hit me a little bit harder because we talked about dating and relationships and how we put ourselves into "that world." I think I used to worry about dating someone on my same level socially. I wasn't worried so much about what that person thought about me and how he made me feel but I was worried about what other people thought when they saw us and how he could make me seem a whole lot cooler than I really am. That's not to say I dated horrible people in high school or wasn't genuine in my intentions, but those intentions came from the wrong place...
One of my friends told me a disturbing story the other day. She said she was talking to a new friend and mentioned the fact that she remained single throughout college. He promptly said, "Oh, you're one of those girls." Is that really where our value comes from? Whether we date in college or not? I must be waaaaay down on the cool ladder.
I'm so glad God has led me in the direction He has because He's forced me to look at myself when I'm at both my best and my worst and find out who I really am beneath all my obnoxious smiles. I've become so much more comfortable with that person and less worried about finding someone who will improve my social status. God's showing me how important it is to find someone who just makes me want to be a better person and pursue Him first.
Certainly, it takes patience and y'all know that anxious feeling I talked about last blog? Yeah, I have to try really, really hard not to get worked up about what God has in store for my relationships. I've got a whole lot of growing and learning to do but I've already made so much progress with the friends and mentors I have here at SMU.
So a thought for ya before I nod off:
Look forward to culminating the relationships you currently have and know God will probably send someone new whom you may need...or who may need you. We're here to walk together and I have to say, my friends have some pretty strong arms because they've pulled me out of some pretty deep, dark holes over the last few years. So if any of y'all read this, thank you, thank you, thank you. You've shown me boundless love and remind me daily of how blessed I am.
I'll let God have the last word:
"Let love be genuine. Abhor what is evil; hold fast to what is good. Love one another with brotherly affection. Outdo one another in showing honor. Do not be slothful in zeal, be fervent in spirit, serve the Lord. Rejoice in hope, be patient in tribulation, be constant in prayer."
--Romans 12:9-12
Monday, September 12, 2011
*Raising Hand
I'm completely guilty of this one...
I have to hurry and get back to homework, but a thought has been weighing on my mind this evenin'. So many times I allow myself to have an anxious heart: anxious about things that could happen tomorrow, anxious about things that just happened...anxious about things that could happen way down the road. Being the gung-ho type of person I am, you wouldn't think being anxious would be a bad thing, but it has put my mind in places it shouldn't be.
But there's a beauty I've finally begun to grasp in the peace and assurance of salvation. Abby (Benson, if you don't know her) told me one of my not-so-hot days, "Jennie, guess what? We still get to go to Heaven." And y'all, it really is that easy. No matter what kind of day I'm having, I remember Abby saying that and I think, "Yeah, God has this plan for me and life's not going to be easy but I know the end is very, very good."
So surprise, surprise, the laid-back girl who doesn't worry about anything gets worked up...more than you probably realize. The Bible and Luke Bryan (yes, I just did that) tell us to "pray about everything:"
"Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus."
--Philippians 4:6-7
So while I wish I knew all the answers for my life, I just don't. If life was predictable, I'm pretty sure I'd get bored really easily. Some of life is gonna hurt but like I said, the end is beautiful and I hope I get to see you there.
Love y'all so much!
I have to hurry and get back to homework, but a thought has been weighing on my mind this evenin'. So many times I allow myself to have an anxious heart: anxious about things that could happen tomorrow, anxious about things that just happened...anxious about things that could happen way down the road. Being the gung-ho type of person I am, you wouldn't think being anxious would be a bad thing, but it has put my mind in places it shouldn't be.
But there's a beauty I've finally begun to grasp in the peace and assurance of salvation. Abby (Benson, if you don't know her) told me one of my not-so-hot days, "Jennie, guess what? We still get to go to Heaven." And y'all, it really is that easy. No matter what kind of day I'm having, I remember Abby saying that and I think, "Yeah, God has this plan for me and life's not going to be easy but I know the end is very, very good."
So surprise, surprise, the laid-back girl who doesn't worry about anything gets worked up...more than you probably realize. The Bible and Luke Bryan (yes, I just did that) tell us to "pray about everything:"
"Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus."
--Philippians 4:6-7
So while I wish I knew all the answers for my life, I just don't. If life was predictable, I'm pretty sure I'd get bored really easily. Some of life is gonna hurt but like I said, the end is beautiful and I hope I get to see you there.
Love y'all so much!
Tuesday, August 2, 2011
North vs. South
Yeah, that's about the only way I can describe being in Taos. I expect everyone I meet to be a "tree huggin’, peace lovin’, pot smokin’, porn watchin’ lazyass hippy" like Todd Snider. Look up those lyrics if you're confused.
Okay so I was wrong. I have seen plenty of "Bush-Cheney" and even a couple of NRA stickers on the back of a few vehicles. SO what's my philosophy for today going to be? Yeah even me, who likes to pretend like she doesn't judge people before she meets them, does. Don't try to pretend like you don't, because you've done it. We all have. So we're all wrong, right? We're all selfish, disgusting beings who only care about themselves and their personal beliefs. No one else really matters right? We're pigs? Yeah, essentially.
All I can really say that's worth anything is you never know what someone's going through (leave my improper grammar alone). Of course it's easy to look at the girl driving Daddy's last-month Lexis or the guy hunched over the garbage-can fire like they're somehow lesser people but what's awesome is they're out of the exact same mold as us. And, what's even more amazing is that God loves them just as much as he loves me. And you. We're all the same. Because, to be quite honest, my refusal to love those people like I do my family is every bit as shameful as any distance they may have from the freedom of Jesus Christ...if there's any distance at all! How am I to judge them without a real conversation?
For a lot of us, it's hard to love certain "types" of people because their lifestyles or beliefs may be different from our own. However, when we deny the love that God has welled within our hearts, we won't know how it feels to break through those boundaries and love that "different" person who may be struggling. "Let love be genuine. Abhor what is evil; hold fast to what is good. Love one another with brotherly affection. Outdo one another in showing honor." Romans 12: 9-11 shows us competitive ones what it means to truly love.
Genuine. Don't just look like you're loving your brother. Mean it. Humans have a fake-dar so you're not fooling anyone. If that means asking God to show you how to love someone, that's what it takes. Yeah, sometimes it is that hard to show someone you love them, but we need help with everything. Just ask.
Yes, I'm a religious person, but I know not all of you are. Okay, so how does this apply? Every human is equipped with the capacity to love. If you fill your heart with love, everything just falls in place. Like I said, it's hard. It's really hard to just be loving sometimes but even showing that different person a little bit of respect exhibits a loving heart rather than someone who's completely hardened.
How can I train to be a killer and preach this life of love? That, in my opinion, takes a thorough explanation. Just stick around, that should be an interesting discussion.
Okay so I was wrong. I have seen plenty of "Bush-Cheney" and even a couple of NRA stickers on the back of a few vehicles. SO what's my philosophy for today going to be? Yeah even me, who likes to pretend like she doesn't judge people before she meets them, does. Don't try to pretend like you don't, because you've done it. We all have. So we're all wrong, right? We're all selfish, disgusting beings who only care about themselves and their personal beliefs. No one else really matters right? We're pigs? Yeah, essentially.
All I can really say that's worth anything is you never know what someone's going through (leave my improper grammar alone). Of course it's easy to look at the girl driving Daddy's last-month Lexis or the guy hunched over the garbage-can fire like they're somehow lesser people but what's awesome is they're out of the exact same mold as us. And, what's even more amazing is that God loves them just as much as he loves me. And you. We're all the same. Because, to be quite honest, my refusal to love those people like I do my family is every bit as shameful as any distance they may have from the freedom of Jesus Christ...if there's any distance at all! How am I to judge them without a real conversation?
For a lot of us, it's hard to love certain "types" of people because their lifestyles or beliefs may be different from our own. However, when we deny the love that God has welled within our hearts, we won't know how it feels to break through those boundaries and love that "different" person who may be struggling. "Let love be genuine. Abhor what is evil; hold fast to what is good. Love one another with brotherly affection. Outdo one another in showing honor." Romans 12: 9-11 shows us competitive ones what it means to truly love.
Genuine. Don't just look like you're loving your brother. Mean it. Humans have a fake-dar so you're not fooling anyone. If that means asking God to show you how to love someone, that's what it takes. Yeah, sometimes it is that hard to show someone you love them, but we need help with everything. Just ask.
Yes, I'm a religious person, but I know not all of you are. Okay, so how does this apply? Every human is equipped with the capacity to love. If you fill your heart with love, everything just falls in place. Like I said, it's hard. It's really hard to just be loving sometimes but even showing that different person a little bit of respect exhibits a loving heart rather than someone who's completely hardened.
How can I train to be a killer and preach this life of love? That, in my opinion, takes a thorough explanation. Just stick around, that should be an interesting discussion.
Friday, July 22, 2011
Feel that Fire
What if, one day, you were forced to be nothing but your bare self? What if there was nothing left of “you” but who you really are, deep down to the core and it was out in the open for everyone to see? Would you be alright with that?
In a sense, that’s what the stroke has done to Gheegee and it’s made me think about who I’m “training” myself to be. What if that day comes when something happens to me and all my brain knows to do is to show my honest-to-God personality? Is that scary? It shouldn’t be.
There’s something so attractive about someone who’s real and unafraid, it’s unexplainable. I’m not saying we should go pouring our inner souls out to the world. No one cares. There’s a clear difference between pouring out your soul and being real with people. We’ve become so used to covering ourselves up in one way or another so the world doesn’t have to see who’s really there. Sure, who you are may not be the norm or may not win the popular vote. Thank God. Someone’s gotta step out of the box.
Something else Gheegee’s stroke has shown me: the importance of a positive attitude. When that bare, unprotected personality comes out, who’s going to take care of it? I’ve decided if I “train” myself to be positive, if that time comes when I’m literally out of my mind, that’s all I’ll know how to do is stay positive and work my way through the battle. Just like any good Marine: equipped and ready for any fight that comes her way.
An important lesson from GySgt Cannady: It’s not the “practice makes perfect” that counts, it’s the perfect practice that makes a difference. Okay, so you can’t be perfect at life, but what I’m trying to say is that persistent, conscious effort toward a positive outlook on life can make all the difference. Yeah, there are plenty of times when it seems like everything is wrong in the world, but there’s a heck of a lot to be happy about as well.
Final words? Find something you absolutely love. If it’s clothes, shopping, and fashion, go for it. If that’s what drives your core, go all out. If you’re a sucker for knitting and classical music, that’s cool too. Make a list. Make a list of those things that make you really, really happy and pursue them. Dwell on them and make them your passions. Wake up and appreciate those things, even if they’re small. What’s that list look like for you? Here’s a (small) version of mine. Who knows, maybe I’ll make some of these things blog topics…
Salvation
Family
Books (Not necessarily reading them)
Two-stepping with a great partner
Working cattle
Watching the sun come up
Runnin’
Making people laugh
Outdoors
Myself <---Not so proud of that one
Honest friends
Cowboys
Writing
In a sense, that’s what the stroke has done to Gheegee and it’s made me think about who I’m “training” myself to be. What if that day comes when something happens to me and all my brain knows to do is to show my honest-to-God personality? Is that scary? It shouldn’t be.
There’s something so attractive about someone who’s real and unafraid, it’s unexplainable. I’m not saying we should go pouring our inner souls out to the world. No one cares. There’s a clear difference between pouring out your soul and being real with people. We’ve become so used to covering ourselves up in one way or another so the world doesn’t have to see who’s really there. Sure, who you are may not be the norm or may not win the popular vote. Thank God. Someone’s gotta step out of the box.
Something else Gheegee’s stroke has shown me: the importance of a positive attitude. When that bare, unprotected personality comes out, who’s going to take care of it? I’ve decided if I “train” myself to be positive, if that time comes when I’m literally out of my mind, that’s all I’ll know how to do is stay positive and work my way through the battle. Just like any good Marine: equipped and ready for any fight that comes her way.
An important lesson from GySgt Cannady: It’s not the “practice makes perfect” that counts, it’s the perfect practice that makes a difference. Okay, so you can’t be perfect at life, but what I’m trying to say is that persistent, conscious effort toward a positive outlook on life can make all the difference. Yeah, there are plenty of times when it seems like everything is wrong in the world, but there’s a heck of a lot to be happy about as well.
Final words? Find something you absolutely love. If it’s clothes, shopping, and fashion, go for it. If that’s what drives your core, go all out. If you’re a sucker for knitting and classical music, that’s cool too. Make a list. Make a list of those things that make you really, really happy and pursue them. Dwell on them and make them your passions. Wake up and appreciate those things, even if they’re small. What’s that list look like for you? Here’s a (small) version of mine. Who knows, maybe I’ll make some of these things blog topics…
Salvation
Family
Books (Not necessarily reading them)
Two-stepping with a great partner
Working cattle
Watching the sun come up
Runnin’
Making people laugh
Outdoors
Myself <---Not so proud of that one
Honest friends
Cowboys
Writing
Sunday, July 10, 2011
...
6 weeks and I have no idea where to start.
Okay, so it was the most amazing 6 weeks of my life. The first question most people have asked me is, "Well, how was it?" Pretty basic question, so I give a straightforward answer, "I loved it." After they hear that, they give me a look like I'm crazy and just kind of shake their head.
But I'm not lying. Yeah, OCS was a challenge and it was mentally tough at times, but I loved what I was doing and want more. All in all, I can't wait for next summer. A lot of candidates think about how much they were losing by going to OCS (everyday luxuries, family, etc.) but I can't help think of all the things OCS gave me. I am now just a better person: more disciplined, more level-headed, a better decision maker...all the qualities I see in strong leaders have been dug out from my depths and brought to the surface.
OCS gave me some of the best and coolest friends I could ask for. The 27 females that stuck it out for the entirety of training are among the best people I've ever met. We worked together and built a bond that no one can possibly break. No one will take that away from us. Whether they go back for SR's or not, we share an accomplishment that will hold us close forever.
So many people don't understand or don't approve of the military and the Marines in particular, but I have just a few words for those people. It's understandable that you don't understand why the military is the way it is, but until you've been part of it or dealt closely with it, you have no room to speak ill words of our armed forces. Things are done the way they are for a reason and it's because of that system that this country remains the strongest force in the world. I am so grateful for the Marine Corps and what it does for not only our country, but for our allies and for those countries and provinces that struggle for freedom and human rights. It's truly an amazing organization (if you can call it that) and deserves the utmost respect, even if you aren't a member or don't particularly care for the military.
I am absolutely honored to be on the path to becoming a Marine Corps officer. The enlisted Marines deserve even more respect because they're the ones who truly run the Corps. "Semper Fi" means so much more to me than ever because I will always be faithful to the Corps and to my country. Faith in yourself, faith in God, and faith in your fellow Marines can carry you through anything, so Semper Fi, y'all. Have faith in all that you do and know that somewhere, somehow, there's a Marines who's got your back.
I'll share OCS stories with y'all as they come to me but for now, we'll just leave it at that.
Okay, so it was the most amazing 6 weeks of my life. The first question most people have asked me is, "Well, how was it?" Pretty basic question, so I give a straightforward answer, "I loved it." After they hear that, they give me a look like I'm crazy and just kind of shake their head.
But I'm not lying. Yeah, OCS was a challenge and it was mentally tough at times, but I loved what I was doing and want more. All in all, I can't wait for next summer. A lot of candidates think about how much they were losing by going to OCS (everyday luxuries, family, etc.) but I can't help think of all the things OCS gave me. I am now just a better person: more disciplined, more level-headed, a better decision maker...all the qualities I see in strong leaders have been dug out from my depths and brought to the surface.
OCS gave me some of the best and coolest friends I could ask for. The 27 females that stuck it out for the entirety of training are among the best people I've ever met. We worked together and built a bond that no one can possibly break. No one will take that away from us. Whether they go back for SR's or not, we share an accomplishment that will hold us close forever.
So many people don't understand or don't approve of the military and the Marines in particular, but I have just a few words for those people. It's understandable that you don't understand why the military is the way it is, but until you've been part of it or dealt closely with it, you have no room to speak ill words of our armed forces. Things are done the way they are for a reason and it's because of that system that this country remains the strongest force in the world. I am so grateful for the Marine Corps and what it does for not only our country, but for our allies and for those countries and provinces that struggle for freedom and human rights. It's truly an amazing organization (if you can call it that) and deserves the utmost respect, even if you aren't a member or don't particularly care for the military.
I am absolutely honored to be on the path to becoming a Marine Corps officer. The enlisted Marines deserve even more respect because they're the ones who truly run the Corps. "Semper Fi" means so much more to me than ever because I will always be faithful to the Corps and to my country. Faith in yourself, faith in God, and faith in your fellow Marines can carry you through anything, so Semper Fi, y'all. Have faith in all that you do and know that somewhere, somehow, there's a Marines who's got your back.
I'll share OCS stories with y'all as they come to me but for now, we'll just leave it at that.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)