Ordinary People 2009 Summer Issue

summer 09

inthisissue

aboutthecover: SFC McConnell is a Medic in the United States Army and has served for over 13 years. He and his wife Vanessa McConnell of 9 years have two children; Zon and Zoey.

contents

Photo by Kendall Elem

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....................................LETTERS TO THE EDITOR ........................................................FROM WITHIN .......................................SERVICE BEFORE SELF ............................................................ARMY WIFE ...............................................FOR YOUR HEALTH ............................................................CODE BLUE .........................................MOTHER’S STRENGTH ................................................SOLDIER BEWARE ........................................FOLDING OF THE FLAG ............................................WHAT DO YOU WANT

18 All rights reserved.Reproduction in whole or in part without the founder/editor’s consent is strictly prohibited. The opinions expressed herein are exclusively those of the writers and do not necessarily reflect the positions or views of the editor. The publication of any advertisement in the issue does not constitute an endorsement of the advertiser’s products or services by the publication. © 2009 Ordinary People Magazine (Trademarkpending)

departments Founder and Editorial Director Verna V. Nickelberry Contributing Editors Josie Hayslett Alexis Johnson Contributing Writers Vanderbilt Brabson Corina Campbell Dr. Sharon Locklear Pamela Steward Paola Tennon Designers Denardo Crawford Rushun Wiseman

Letters to the Editor Please know that I have enjoyed this magazine to the fullest. Thank you for following the direction of the Lord. May your publication grow beyond your wildest dreams.

God Bless,

Marketing Consultant Reginald Nickelberry

Arnest Martin Abundant Grace Fellowship, Memphis TN

Photographers Kendall Elam Eric D. Hall Sales Director/ Memphis, TN Janet Chestnut salesmemphis@ ordinarypeoplemagazine.org

Keep up the wonderful work of influencing people to follow Christ. I am very proud of your magazine and its positive work.

Sales Director/ Atlanta, GA Bernetta Kennabrew sales_atlanta@ ordinarypeoplemagazine.org O.P. Magazine Mail P. O. Box 323 Memphis, TN 38101 (901) 949-3409 http://ordinarypeoplemagazine.org ORDINARY PEOPLE MAGAZINE is a quarterly publication and is distributed in Memphis, TN; Knoxville, TN; Atlanta, GA; and Orlando, FL.

6 | Summer 2009

Bronzjuan Worthy Memphis, TN

You and your staff are doing a wonderful job. You are touching so many people. May the Lord bless you all with joy and happiness.

Maggie Barnes Oak Forest, IL

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From within....

EDITORIAL

s I sat to write this quarter’s editorial it was a struggle because this issue is very dear to my heart.

This issue is dedicated to the men and women who serve our country in the Armed Forces. I also struggled with the scripture that God gave to me because I didn’t understand its meaning. However, I must be obedient. In Matt. 24:6, “And ye shall hear of wars and rumours of wars: see that ye be not trouble: for all these things must come to pass, but the end is not yet.”

(King James Version) So many times, I think that we forget about the men and women who put their lives on the line so that we can enjoy the freedoms that we are so accustom to. We forget that young men and women volunteer everyday to serve their country, so that we can feel safe in our neighborhoods, safe when we travel, safe when we worship in our churches, mosques, temples, synagogues or other religious centers.

This issue is also special to me because my father fought in World War II, two of my brothers and a cousin served in the US Navy, and a cousin served in the US Army. Also, we are praying for the safe return of our photographer, Eric Hall, who is deployed with the US Army.

For thirteen years, I was an army wife; and for the last twentythree years, I have worked as a Department of the Army Civilian.

I do hope that this issue will instill a new pride in your heart for the men and women who take the oath to serve and defend the borders of the United States of America.

“And ye shall hear of wars and rumours of wars: see that ye be not trouble: for all these things must come to pass, but the end is not yet.”

Matt. 24:6 All scriptures are from the Holy Bible the King James Version

And as always, Love, Peace and Increase, Be Blessed

Verna ordinarypeoplemagazine.org | 7

Service Before Self…

Why Join the Armed Forces?

by Brigadier General Delilah R. Works, US Air Force

Some people are just destined to serve-to give of themselves for the betterment of all God’s creation. I would like to convince you that this is why many of my fellow airmen, sailors, soldiers, marines, and coast guardsmen joined the armed forces, but initially, this may not have been the primary reason. .

While writing this article, I had to think back 30 years to remember what motivated me to join – but, I will get back to that later. In the interim, I spoke to several members who joined more recently, and some of their reasons included: educational benefits, recruitment bonuses, travel, job stability, job training, experience a world outside their local community and family tradition/legacy. When asked what their families and friends thought about why they joined, I was prepared to hear some of the same reasons previously mentioned. But, one reason surprised and stuck with me. Many joined because they felt the military was their last resort. They were unable to find a job anywhere else. Even if this were true, there is no better job than protecting your country and giving the best you have to offer for a period of time. Aside from the obvious reasons to join the armed forces, patriotism is often an unspoken motivation. True soldiers know that protecting our borders and way of life is paramount to our security, and that what we enjoy in this country should be appreciated and never taken for granted. Regardless 8 | Summer 2009

of the various reasons we joined, we sacrifice our all so others may be free.

The United States is comprised of over 307 million people, of which, less than one percent serve in the armed forces. The reserve components make up 50 percent of these numbers. This is an all-volunteer force, which is diverse in ethnicity, socioeconomic levels, educational backgrounds, and a group that comes from rural and metropolitan areas. As you can see, at any given time, very few US citizens are actively involved in the military. For those who are, we take this obligation seriously because it is our duty. To honor this obligation, we take the following oath, “I will support and defend

Brig. Gen. Rita Works with her sister Colonel Andrea Taliaferro, US Army

the Constitution of the United States against all enemies, foreign and domestic, that I will bear true faith and allegiance to the same; that I take this obligation freely, without any mental obligation or purpose of evasion; and that I will and faithfully discharge the duties of the office upon which I am about to enter. So Help Me God.”

personally attest to the fact that we have the greatest country in the world. Why do you believe so many try to enter our country illegally? Why do you think so many give their all to get to America? Why struggle to learn the language or be in a culture alien to yours? Enough said.

This is my country and it is my duty to defend it with my My years in the military have taught me that I am life, if required. I believe that everyone who serves now fortunate to be surrounded by some of the best leaders and has done so in the past, feels and young people in our country. the same way. We are ordinary I joined to be a part of something citizens trying to share our larger than myself, to experience blessing with those less fortunate. the world beyond the Mid-South, We carry out the orders of our to appreciate and gain exposure country’s leadership and do so to different types of people, with our heads held high and and to make a difference in the without reservation. Ours is not a lives of people throughout the political agenda, but one that daily world. In addition, the military ensures the safety and security of structure held men and women to America and our allies. When you the same performance standards, see a military member in uniform, offered equal pay and criteria remember, we volunteered to for promotions, and provided support and defend the rights we a myriad of career choices. all hold dear. We do it without The armed forces allow one to Brig. Gen. Rita Works and her husband reservation or purpose of evasion. touch the lives of millions of Lavon Works It is our honor and solemn people they have never seen and duty to support and defend the hopefully, make a positive impact Constitution of the United States of America. on those lives.

In closing, take time to ponder “The American Creed” written by William Tyler Page in 1918.

Joining the armed forces is a career-changing endeavor.

As many like to quote so often, “Freedom is not free.”

I believe in the United States of America as a Government What a true statement! It is truly a blessing to live in of the People, By the People, For the People; whose just a country where the Constitution allows for freedoms powers are derived from the consent of the governed; of religion, speech, press, the right to assemble, and a democracy in a republic, a sovereign nation of many to petition the Government for redress of grievances. sovereign states; a perfect union, one and inseparable; Citizens, who have not traveled outside this country, established upon those principles of Freedom, Equality, know from national news coverage that many around the Justice, and Humanity for which American Patriots world suffer because of lack of basic freedoms. In my sacrificed their lives and fortunes. travels, I have seen conditions others endure and accept as the norm. The poorest of our poor have it much better I therefore believe it is my duty to my country to love it; than an average citizen in underdeveloped countries. The to support its Constitution; to obey its laws; to respect its basic necessities many of us take for granted, clean water, flag; and to defend it against all enemies. plentiful food, shelter, and health care, are unavailable to many people around the world. The USA is a beacon Your armed forces are here to serve – thank you for the of hope for those who do not live within our borders. I support. have traveled extensively, seen many things, and can ordinarypeoplemagazine.org | 9

Army Wife

ARMY STRONG FAMILY READY

by Mrs. Kim James Pictured with her husband Lt. Col. Gregory James

“We do more before 9 a.m., than most people do all day!”

This was the Army slogan when I was growing up. I was amazed, impressed, and speechless to put it lightly.

It was unbelievable to me and I wanted to be a part of that. I can understand the truth and power behind that statement now. Not everyone can do what we do!

As an Army wife (or military spouse), you are placed in a superior class among the best. It is very challenging but rewarding. It is a rigorous cycle of events from day to day, but the end result is pride in knowing you have accomplished greatness on a monumental plateau.

You can’t train for it, and there is no special school.

Adapt and overcome, while always remaining flexible.

We experience panic and loneliness when spouses are deployed and joy and elation upon their return. Managing the kids, work, home, and school is tough when your spouse is deployed, and anything that can go wrong will when they are away! This job is not for the weak at heart or mind. You devise a strategy and march on.

The song “Only the Strong Can Survive” comes to mind.

But, the military family support system can be the stron10 | Summer 2009

gest in the world. The bond is like no other.

For all good things, unfortunately, there are drawbacks.

Deployments can be long and stressful. It is equally important to prepare service members as well as family for deployments. Still we find the time to make videos, bake goodies, prepare care packages, take pictures and send mail to let our loved ones know they are missed.

And then it is time to PCS (permanent change of station) which is never easy. Packing and unpacking can become tedious; you never know where all that stuff came from. Leaving friends behind is an unfortunate thing for kids as well as adults. Starting new schools with different curriculums is frustrating for students and parents. Finding employment, learning new areas, driving patterns and learning your new communities takes time. Being patience and staying focus helps. Being an army spouse it is the greatest job. It is never easy but it is fulfilling. Challenges are good for the body and mind.

It fills me with great pride when I’m with my soldier and a stranger says “thanks for what you do.”

“To

every thing

there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven: A time to love, and a time to hate; a time of war, and a time of peace.”

Ecclesiastes 3:1 & 8 (Kings James Version)

For Your Health

by Paola Tennon RN, BSN, CCM, MBA

The United States Armed Forces were formed by the second Continental Congress and the Army, Navy & Marine Corps was commissioned in 1775 during the American Revolutionary War. Since its inception, other branches and services have been added. Many of us are unaware of the courage, commitment and sacrifices that are made by this special group of people. Neither do we recognize that “the freedom we enjoy is not really free.”

A Snap Shot into the Cost of Freedom: The men and women who serve and have served our nation to promote democracy and uphold our beliefs as a nation under God, in times of peace and during times of war, are truly the unsung heroes of our nation. Based on references from the US National Library of Medicine and the National Institutes of Health, there are more than 2 million military personnel and reservists serving in the United States Military, with women making up 14%. In 12 | Summer 2009

addition, the April 29, 2009 analysis report of Veterans Utilization of Benefits & Services indicated that as of September 30, 2008, there are 23,440,000 veterans still living.

Veterans, active duty military personnel, and their families typically face health care concerns that differ from the civilian population. Although there are some health care concerns and disparities that may be unique to a specific era; the health care of military personnel, whether past or present, and their families encompass a diverse range of health care issues. Many of these conditions require long-term management and support services. In addition, physical and mental adjustments and socioeconomic commonalities also exist across the board.

Common traumatic physical injuries include loss of limbs, paralysis, brain injury, embedded metal fragments, and chemical or biological agent exposure. Mental health issues that are also common to this population and may include depression, repression, post-traumatic stress syndrome, emotional adjustment and suicide.

Additionally, substance abuse, poverty, homelessness

and limited access to medical services may play a major role in the prevention or recovery process. Members of the family are faced with adjustment issues and the added responsibility of sustaining the home and financial affairs in the absence of the spouse or loved one. There are also concerns related to the potential emotional or physical outcomes of deployment particularly in a time of unrest. Questions related to the benefits, medical services, the care of an injured service person, as well as concerns regarding who will care for the caregiver. What an awesome price for freedom. To each person who has committed his or her life to the United States military and to their families, we owe a debt of gratitude and thanks.

To each we give honor and lift them up in prayer.

Strategies for coping after deployment & health maintenance: • Understand that you and your spouse’s sense of purpose are shaped by different factors and mutual adjustment will be required

excessive exposure to the sun, monthly self-exams (notify health care provider of any changes). See your doctor for routine checkups and screening tests.

• Contact the Veterans Administration Services for information related to Veterans Program Managers, Benefits and Resources at your local Veterans Administration(VA) Medical Center.

References: http://www.va.gov/oaa/Archive/ MilitaryhHealthHistoryPocketcard.htm http://www.publichealth.va.gov/womenshealth/ wellness.asp http://www.finra.org http://www.publichealth.va.gov/womenshealth/ trauma.asp http://www.healthierusveterans.va.gov/ http://MyHealtheVet http://Healthwise

Caregiver Services: • Maintain a positive attitude and establish specific focus goals Ability not Disability

Strengths not Weakness

Small task or activities rather than overwhelming

one’s self

Manage and reduce Stress

Balance rest and activity

Establish support systems

Avoid or limit use of alcohol

Avoid substance abuse

http://www.familycaregiveronline.com/ http://caregiving/caring_for_the_caregiver.html http://aarpmagazine.org/family/

Homeless Veteran Services: http://www.va.gov/womenvet/. http://www.nasdva.com http://www.nchv.org

VA Referral & Service Benefit Information: 1800-827-1000 Healthcare Eligibility Information: 1-877-222-8387

• Seek health care services as indicated and maintain routine physical checkups • Understand prevention management and follow basic health advice: Low fat diet, exercise, adequate sleep, healthy weight, limit or avoid tobacco use, avoid ordinarypeoplemagazine.org | 13

Code Blue

by Pamela Steward

Code Blue!!! Code Blue to ICU!!!

Or Harvey Team to Room 215!!!

To someone working in the hospital those words mean someone has crashed, they’ve stopped breathing, their heart has stopped beating, or they were found unresponsive. It is the 911 call within the hospital system. The hospital is a place of medical breakthroughs in life and death, but in the midst of the stethoscopes and white coats God extends His hand of miracles and blessings.

I worked at the VA Hospital for 10 years. While there, I worked in several areas and became more aware and grateful for the simple things we take for granted, like breathing or just talking. It was in the Spinal Cord Injury Unit and Intensive Care Unit where I witnessed the tangible manifestations of God’s power. Literally I saw that man in all of his medical advancements did not have the final say so. While working in the Spinal Cord Injury Unit, I saw men who had been declared paraplegic walk out the hospital totally healed. One morning a man was brought in to ICU to die. His pupils were blown and he had no response to painful stimuli. We were just waiting for him to stop breathing. His family was allowed in to see him once we got him settled into the Unit. They prayed quietly and were told they could come back dur14 | Summer 2009

ing the next visiting hour. Before the next visiting hours, the Lord had turned the situation completely around. The doctors were so baffled they transferred the man to the floor by 12 noon without doing at least a 24 hr observation in ICU. That day, there was an angelic visitation in ICU. It was one of the smoothest work days we’d had in the Unit in a long time.

I thank God for the heavenly angels, but also we should also thank Him for the earthly angels (doctors and nurses) who have been called to administer healing.

Carolyn Livingston is one of those earthly angels. She is a registered nurse, a person with healing hands, a professional caregiver. She has been a R.N. for more than 30 years.

One day, Carolyn found herself on the other side of the hospital bed, hospitalized with severe pain. She was diagnosed with kidney stones. Carolyn found herself in the same position as the thousands she had cared for over the years. She was released from the hospital with pain medication and instructions to make an appointment for surgery to have the stones crushed. During the course of that week, she went to church and an altar call was made for someone with back pain to come up for prayer. When the minister got to Carolyn, he said, “God is doing a miracle right now in your body, He is crushing the stones!!!” The Lord did the exact procedure the doctors were going to do! Needless to say, Carolyn never got a chance to make the appointment; she didn’t have to have surgery or take time off for recovery. God gave her

a miracle instead of just the healing.

I would like to share just one more medical miracle with you. One day in Ocala, FL a vibrant three year old girl collapsed while playing. The EMTs arrived and could not find anything wrong with the child. She perked up and they just assumed she had over heated. Later that night, the child became unresponsive again. Her mother described her as being like a “rag doll.” Her parents rushed her to the local hospital. They drew blood and saw that her count was low. It was so low, they said there was no way she should have been alive.

They immediately transported her by helicopter to Shands Cancer Research Hospital in Gainesville, FL where she was diagnosed with leukemia. Her father prayed and informed his wife that the child was healed. This was hard for her mother to picture or believe when she saw the medical team working on her baby with tubes coming from everywhere. Her parents left the unit to update family members, to check on their other children, and to get something to eat. When the parents returned and walked over to the child’s bed, it was empty. Of course, the mother began to panic. The staff told them that the child had been transferred out of the unit because she had suddenly stabilized and became too active to be in the unit with the other critically ill children. The three years old went into remission that very night (that’s what the

doctors called it). Because of her age and diagnosis, the parents had to allow the baby to be treated for a period of time. She quickly became known as the “energizer bunny” by her treatment team. The child has led a vibrant life, participating in sports and other activities. The young lady graduated from high school in 2008. Her father passed away when she was 6 years old of cancer. He died knowing his daughter received a miracle, and he received a daily blessing which he thanked God for every morning. I know, because I cared for him until he passed. He was my brother. She is my niece.

“God is doing a miracle right now in your body, He is crushing the stones!!!”

Yes, hospitals are a place where medical innovations take place but it’s also a place of miracles and blessings. Today, God we pray for those who are battling medical conditions or who are caring for loved ones with medical conditions. We ask you to lift their hearts. Let them know that if you do not grant the miracle, you have already blessed them with today. Help them to find the joy in communing with you today. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

My prayer is that you take joy in your blessings of today.

Keep looking for and believing in miracles. I am.

Until then, Miracles and Blessings to you.

ordinarypeoplemagazine.org | 15

A Mother’s Strength

by Maj Barabara Jones, US Army July 3, 2007, I arrived in Kuwait and spent my 4th of July in-processing at Camp Victory in Baghdad, Iraq.

This would begin my efforts to provide my fellow comrades assistance with rebuilding Iraq and preparing the country to operate under its new independence. I would work on the general’s staff as the primary assistant to the National Police Transition Team (NPTT).

to shop online for her appropriate seasonal clothing, to order her Halloween costume and send her brownies or a teddy bear. The men in my office would make sarcastic remarks, and I would simply tell them “a mother’s role The NPTTs are 11-men teams whose key function is to never stops.” Even away at war, I still had to continue train the Iraqi National Police and teach basic skills to being a mother. I used every means to communicate with protect their country. Although I lived on Camp Victory, her. I used telephone, e-mail, instant messaging, and letI often traveled to visit the NPTT or to observe training ters, to reach out to my dumpling and to let her know she at their Forward Operating Base (FOB). I was blessed was missed and loved; nothing could ever change that. to return safe and unharmed to days were more anxiety Camp Victory each time. The “ I needed to see her and Some provoking and emotional than return rides were bittersweet she needed to see her others, and most nights were for me. Here I was anxiously Mommy. In spite of it all, sleepless. In 12 months, I would returning to the basic amenimy daughter only 15 days. ties that most Americans take I maintained and survived see I yearned for her sweet kiss to for granted (bed, shower, a hot Iraq and I’m a much better say “good morning”, her smile meal, TV, electricity) and out when I picked up her from person/mother for it.” of direct harm’s way; I knew I school, and to hearing her say “I was leaving those NPTTs out love you, Mommy.”

There are no words to describe how there alone. The teams lived, ate, worked and conducted much I missed her hugs. Esora gives the best hugs ever! all operations with their respective National Police (NP) counterparts without other soldiers. As a mother when I would leave the FOB, I told myself to focus on the mission at hand. I couldn’t imagine the impact of my death on my daughter, Esora.

My fear drove my determination to be safe and stay in the moment. Each time I reminded myself that it was paramount that I stay focus and return home safely to her. After a safe trip and the night fell, so would my motivation. I missed my baby. In the silence and alone, I would think about what else I could be doing, such as, what I was missing, what my daughter was doing, and how her day was. Every night when I showered, I would miss sitting on the edge of the bathtub and chatting with Esora and the two of us laughing. I missed soaking in the tub as well (only showers in Iraq). Being away from her in this combat zone, I was determined to continue my responsibilities as a mother. I used my down time

During my moments of selfishness, I would become agitated about the NP taking Friday through Sunday off to go home and visit their families, yet I couldn’t see my daughter. I needed to see her and she needed to see her Mommy. In spite of it all, I maintained and survived Iraq and I’m a much better person/mother for it. The risk of death each day and not knowing if I would live or die, I begin to prioritize and put things in perspective. The small stuff no longer mattered. I learned to appreciate the silence and now understand that silence can speak volumes. I just had to be still and listen. I love my daughter even more and have a stronger appreciation of her sacrifice and her strength. I thank God for Esora and her willingness to share her Mommy with the world. Iraq truly taught me to value motherhood and appreciate life.

ordinarypeoplemagazine.org | 17

The military is close to my heart. I spent 11 years serving my country as a soldier and am grateful for the opportunities it provided. The military was fertile ground for my personal growth, allowing me to address issues I struggled with as a young man.

1. I needed more discipline in my life 2. I needed more meat on my bones and 3. I needed to be saved, redeemed, converted, born again, and washed in the blood of the Lamb.

As a soldier I was given the opportunity to address all three. The military regimen and the constant oversight by my Sergeant during my first year deeply ingrained the personal discipline within me I truly needed.

Personal discipline became a habit.

The military also changed a gangly youngster into a strong, healthy man. When I first entered the military, I was twenty-one years old, 6’1” tall and weighed 133 pounds, 7 pounds more than my weight as a high school senior. My friends would tell me that I was “too light to fight and too thin to win”. At that time I had only one real enemy – the wind. A strong head wind bullied me around as though I was a two-legged kite. The military changed that. I was worked, trained, and exercised hard and fed well. One year from the date boot camp began, my weight shot up from 133 to 188 pounds.

While self-discipline and weight gain made a tremendous difference in my life, nothing can ever compare to the difference made in my life when, as a military medic, I got down on my knees in a restroom of the medical dispensary and surrendered my heart to Jesus Christ. So, it was in the military where I became a believer, overcame my malnourished look, and learned self-discipline. I learned something else as well. I learned to become more attentive to the spiritual lessons God was teaching me. One lesson is particularly vivid in my memory.

At the medical dispensary where I worked, the majority 18 | Summer 2009

by Vanderbilt Brabson III

of our time was spent conducting physical examinations on recruits and all enlisted personnel. I recall us contacting one particular soldier and directing him to report for more testing. His x-ray had revealed a spot on his lung.

The soldier reported as directed, but he was obviously not himself. Typically, there was no ignoring this particular soldier’s presence. If he were around everyone knew it.

He was boisterous and outgoing. There was something else about him, he always had half a cigar crammed tightly in the right corner of his mouth, whether lit or not. He never took the cigar out even when he was talking, laughing, and joking. It was like a permanent fixture perched upon his bottom lip, as much at home as the tongue in his mouth.

When we notified the soldier about the spot on his x-ray, he returned to the medical dispensary and underwent a second x-ray. Afterwards he was asked to take a seat out front while waiting for the results. He did, about six feet from my desk. As he sat waiting, his face revealed the anxiety he was feeling within. There was no half-cigar protruding from his lips, no jovial smile, and no joking or laughing with anyone. In fact, the soldiers in the dispensary who greeted him barely got a grunt in response. As he continued waiting, I also tried talking to him to get his mind off what could possibly be bad news, but he was in no talking mood. I wondered to myself

what I would be thinking if I were sitting and waiting If on the other hand, you are a nonbeliever, please heed on the results of my second x-ray. Would I be praying?

God’s signs and warnings in your life while there is still Repenting? What? Was this soldier reflecting back over time. God loves you. He has created within you a Godhis life? Was he pleading with his Creator for a second sized vacuum He alone can fill and a throne within your chance? I wondered. heart that He alone should occupy. When that vacuum is

Finally, the technician walked out front and not being filled by God, and when that throne is not being informed the anxious soldier his x-ray results were good occupied by Him, all you are left with down deep inside and the spot on the previous x-ray was a flaw in the film. is emptiness. And emptiness is to the soul what pain is Hearing the news, the soldier smiled broadly, pulled a to the body; it tells us something is wrong. God is offerhalf-cigar from his shirt pocket and shoved it into the coring you so much more than this earthly life can provide. ner of his mouth, stood to his feet, thanked the technician, Within your heart you know this to be true because God and left. has put eternity in all of our hearts (Ecclesiastes 3:11).

I saw this soldier several times after this incident, and he, with QUESTION: Have you “Sometimes God uses a his half-cigar protruding from experienced any unusual occurspot on an X-ray, a nearhis mouth, was as carefree, rences in your life lately? And death experience, a loss of if so, have you petitioned God jovial, and joking as always.

About three months later this financial freedom brought for understanding? If you are a same soldier got into a heated on by unexpected debt, or believer and want to understand argument with his elderly what God is saying to you or the death of someone close neighbor. The two had argued teaching you in your circumto get our attention.” previously about the soldier’s stance, earnestly seek Him in insistence on playing his music prayer and trust Him for an loudly which irritated his neighbor who lived just on the answer. If you are a nonbeliever and you want to know other side of the wall to his apartment. On this particular God personally and what He is saying to you, the good evening the old man repeatedly demanded the soldier news is He is as close as the mention of His name. Just turn his music down. The soldier refused and another simply bow your head and tell God you are truly sorry for heated argument ensued in the doorway of the soldier’s your sin (and really mean it). Then ask Jesus Christ to apartment. The elderly man stormed off to his apartment, come and abide in your heart and save you. If you really secured a firearm, and returned to the soldier’s apartment. mean it, He will, Read: Romans 10:9-13; 1 John 5:11-12; When the soldier answered the doorbell, the elderly man and Revelation 3:20. fired a shot, fatally wounding him. The soldier slumped to his knees, and within moments he was dead.

“To all who find their days declining, to all upon whom

Sometimes God uses a spot on an X-ray, a nearage is creeping with its infirmities, to all whose strength death experience, a loss of financial freedom brought on seems steadily to ebb.... God seems to take our last by unexpected debt, or the death of someone close to get things, and as it were, pack them up for our journey. our attention. Circumstances such as these force us, or These are tokens that you are approaching land. They should, to take inventory of our lives on where we reare signs that the troubles of the sea are almost over.” ally stand with God. As believers, when we experience … Henry Ward Beecher. an unusual occurrence, it behooves us to go to God in prayer, asking, “Lord, what would You have me to learn Henry Ward Beecher. Beecher was a prominent, theofrom this experience? What is it You are teaching me?” logically liberal American Congregationalist clergyman.

Maybe God is growing us spiritually through this experiBeecher was also a social reformer and speaker in the ence, increasing our faith and trust in Him, or maybe He mid to late 19th century. is dealing with sin in our lives and our need to repent.

Either way, as believers we need to heed the lessons God © June 2009 is teaching us and remember all our circumstances are Vanderbilt Brabson III, Author designed to ultimately work for our good and to His glory ALL RIGHTS RESERVED (Romans 8:28). ordinarypeoplemagazine.org | 19

The Folding of the American Flag Reference: www.usflag.org

A

s an Army and Navy custom, the flag is lowered daily at the last note of retreat. Special care should be taken that no part of the flag touches the ground. The flag is then carefully folded into the shape of a tri-cornered hat, emblematic of the hats worn by colonial soldiers during the War for Independence. In the folding, the red and white stripes are finally wrapped into the blue, as the light of day vanishes into the darkness of night. This custom of special folding is reserved for the United States Flag alone.

The flag folding ceremony described by the Uniformed Services is a dramatic and uplifting way to honor the flag on special days, like Memorial Day or Veterans Day, and is sometimes used at retirement ceremonies.

The flag folding ceremony represents the same religious principles on which our country was originally founded.

The portion of the flag denoting honor is the canton of blue containing the stars representing the states our veterans served in uniform. The canton field of blue dresses from left to right and is inverted when draped as a pall on a casket of a veteran who has served our country in uniform.

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In the Armed Forces of the United States, at the ceremony of retreat the flag is lowered, folded in a triangle fold and kept under watch throughout the night as a tribute to our nation’s honored dead. The next morning it is brought out and, at the ceremony of reveille, run aloft as a symbol of our belief in the resurrection of the body.

The first fold of our flag is a symbol of life.

The second fold is a symbol of our belief in eternal life The third fold is made in honor and remembrance of the veterans departing our ranks who gave a portion of their lives for the defense of our country to attain peace throughout the world.

The fourth fold represents our weaker nature, for as American citizens trusting in God, is it to Him we turn in times of peace as well as in time of war for His divine guidance.

The fifth fold is a tribute to our country, for in the words of Stephen Decatur, “Our Country, in dealing with other countries may she always be right; but it is still our country, right or wrong.�

The sixth fold is for where our hearts lie. It is with our heart that we pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America, and to the Republic for which it stands one Nation under God, indivisible, with Liberty and Justice for all.

May The Lord Continue to Bless You and Your Families For The Great Job That You Have Done in Serving Your Country !

The seventh fold is a tribute to our Armed Forces, for it is through the Armed Forces that we protect our country and our flag against all her enemies, whether they are found within or without the boundaries of our republic.

The eight fold is a tribute to the one who entered into the valley of the shadow of death, that we might see the light of day, and to honor mother, for whom it flies on Mother’s Day.

SFC Jeanette Sangster U.S. Army 1981 - 2008 (27 Years)

Robert T. Green U.S. Army 1969 - 1971 National Guard Vietnam Veteran

Louis C. Sangster U.S. Army 1967 - 2069 Vietnam Veteran

SPC5 Ruffie G. Jones U.S. Army 1965 - 1967

Melvin Trotter U.S. Army 1978 - 1981 National Guard Vietnam Veteran

James Lee Army/National Guard 1973 - 2004 Enduring Freedom (Iraq) May 2005 (31 Years)

The ninth fold is a tribute to womanhood; for it has been through their faith, their love, loyalty and devotion that the character of the men and women who have made this country great has been molded.

The tenth fold is a tribute to the father, for he, too, has given his sons and daughters for the defense of country since they were first born.

The eleventh fold, in the eyes of a Hebrew citizen represents the lower portion of the seal of King David and King Solomon, and glorifies in their eyes, the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob.

The twelfth fold, in the eyes of a Christian citizen, represents an emblem of eternity and glorifies in their eyes, God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit.

When the flag is completely folded, the stars are uppermost reminding us of our nation’s motto, “In God We Trust.”

After the flag is completely folded and tucked in, it takes on the appearance of a cocked hat, ever reminding us of the soldiers who served under General George Washington and the sailors and marines who served under Captain John Paul Jones who were followed by their comrades and shipmates in the Armed Forces of the United States, preserving for us the rights, privileges, and freedoms we enjoy today.

Mt. Zion M.B. Church Stanton, TN 38069 Timothy J. Bowers Sr. Pastor

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What Do You Really Want?

by Col. Barrye L. Price, US Army

T

here’s an old poem called the “Bridge Builder” in which the author opines:

“I’d rather see a sermon than to hear one any day.” By this I believe that the writer is speaking to the “life example of faith,” versus the “bible thumping, wear-your-faith-on-your-sleeve,” tremendously judgmental Christians who fail to draw people in, but rather turn them off to Christ. With your prayerful indulgence, I would like for you to ponder the question: “What do you really want?”

Recently, I witnessed a once in a lifetime event where a personal friend was elevated to a position of great trust and importance. As the ceremony unfolded, I could see in my friend’s face the pride of the moment, and heard a tacit attempt to glorify God; but the true essence of her quest was missed. You see, while she attempted to be clever by using metaphorical references to God and His role in getting her to that day; she mistook what that moment in time was truly all about. You see, she thought that the moment was about “grace and mercy,” and didn’t fully understand that what she truly desired to speak on was a word that’s seldom used. Indeed, it’s only recorded once in the Bible in Acts 24:2--PROVIDENCE. That is, the care or benevolent guidance of God. Whereas 22 | Summer 2009

“grace” speaks of an unmerited love or favor from God towards mankind and “mercy” speaks to a kindness in excess of what is expected or demanded by fairness, providence proves to be the “catch-all” that truly bespeaks of the favor that we ultimately desire from God. Do you remember Jabez from Chronicles? Do you recall what he asked of God: “to bless him indeed, for God to expand his territory, to be protected from the evil one.”

Jabez was asking for God’s PROVIDENCE--- for God to provide.

So again, I ask the question: “What do you really want, Grace, Mercy, or Providence? It’s my belief that providence satisfies all of the above. Be blessed.

Remember the FLAG: Family, Leadership, Ambassadorship, and Growth

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