The morning of August 28 arrived early, especially after the very late evening of the 27th. I felt honored to have been able to take part in the America's Divine Destiny event. Click here if you want to read about that. This 50-something woman just doesn't move as fast as she used to--having both hip joints screaming in rebellion at the beginning of the fourth day of extreme walking wasn't helping the situation. There were seven of us staying in the same cottage, and one bathroom. Our intention was to be out the door by 6:00 AM, but that didn't happen. We loaded up our backpacks with sandwiches and water bottles. We left our cottage by 7:00, and arrived in DC by 8:00.
The Metro stations were filled to the brim with people. In spite of the huge crowds, everyone was polite, considerate, and calm. We followed the masses to the Lincoln Memorial. We had heard that people had spent the night on the steps of the Memorial. The fields were filling up, and we continued walking, trying to get as close to the steps as we could. Finally, we could go no further because there was no more room. We couldn't see the steps because of the trees. If you're standing by the Reflecting Pool, facing the Lincoln Memorial, we were in the field to the left, and about a quarter of the way up the Relfecting Pool. It was pointed out that the Reflecting Pool area holds about 200,000 people. The field we were in holds about 250,000. There's another field on the right side of the Reflecting Pool. People were standing all the way back to the Washington Monument, which is about 8/10ths of a mile. The only estimates I've heard are 500,000. But, I would venture to say that the numbers were higher.
A few minutes before the rally was to begin, we heard the crowd roaring. We saw a small flock of geese flying in the "V" formation over the Reflecting Pool and on to the right. A few minutes later, another small flock of geese, also in the "V" formation, flew over our heads. It was very cool. To many of us. it felt like God was giving us His blessing.
The actual event was very moving and patriotic. I will try to give some highlights, and not a play by play. Even though the liberal press is painting this event as a tea party, if you've seen pictures, you'll notice there are no political signs. Dr. King was honored, as well as other great Americans. The first one to speak was Debby Argel. (My apologies if any names are misspelled. I was not familiar with a lot of the names, so I'm guessing, and hoping these are right.) She is the mother of a slain soldier, Capt. Derek Argel. Derek understood the meaning of honor at the tender age of nine. He wrote an essay on it, and dedicated his life to being honorable. Debby is now involved with Special Operations Warrior Foundation. The SOWF is dedicated to providing a college education to the children of veterns who have been killed. After she spoke, Glenn gave everyone the opportunity to donate $10 by texting on their cell phones. Five MILLION dollars were raised!
Sarah Palin spoke as the mother of a soldier. She reminded us that honor doesn't need to be restored in the military--they already understand what honor is all about. She introduced Navy Seal Marcus Luttrell. He has an amazing story, and if you have never read his book, "Lone Survivor", I highly recommend that you do. You will get a glimpse of what our military men and women are made of.
Two other great Americans were introduced: Eddy Wright, a U.S. Marine who lost both hands. He couldn't fire a weapon, but he still lead the way for his troops. He was given the bronze star.
Tom Kirk, a POW at Hanoi Hilton, he was kept in solitary confinement for two years. Instead of being defeated, it gave him more love for America.
Glenn has been speaking about faith, hope and charity for about a year now, and three Americans (civilians) were chosen who personify those traits, to receive the new badge.
The badge of Faith was presented to Pastor C.L. Jackson, of Houston, TX. The badge of Hope was presented to baseball player, Albert Pujols. Not because he is a ball player, but because of his comittment to family and community.The badge of Charity was presented to John Huntsman, Sr., a billionare who plans to die broke through charitable giving. He has already given over 2 Billion dollars to charity.
Dr. Alveda King, niece of Dr. M. L. King, also spoke of her dreams, one of which was that America will repent and turn to honor.
Glenn gave a talk about how we must stop focusing on our scars. America is a great country. We have done many great things, but we also have scars from things we have done that were not right. What we must not do is stay focused on our scars. He gave a great example. The Washington Monument was under construction at the time of the Civil War. It wasn't even halfway completed when construction had to be halted. By the time they were ready to finish building it, all the marble from the first source had been used up. The new marble did not match the original marble. When we look at the Washington Monument, we can stop our gaze at the ''scar" and stay focused on that. Or, we can see it for what it is, a healed scar, and continue our gaze upward to the point. Inscribed at the tip of the point, where no one can read it, are the words, Laus Deo, "Praise be to God". He said, "That which you gaze upon, you shall become." We must look to God, and see what we truly believe. God is sending wake-up calls. You can get a wake-up call through fear, such as 9/11, but those are temporary. Or, you can get a wake-up call from the Garden of Gethsemene. When the apostles were with Jesus, and he asked them to stay awake while he prayed, he came back and found them sleeping. But, they woke up at the Resurrection, and that kept them awake!
He then issued a 40-day challenge. For Faith: Pray on your knees--with the door open so your children can see,--recognize your place in the presence of the Creator. For Hope: Tell the truth, even when you know it won't help your side. For Charity: Connect with your family, give them a little more extra time and attention. Charity begins at home.
I can't even begin to share all the inspirational videos, songs,...oh, one other thing. He then introduced the Black Robe Regiment. Two hundred and forty ministers of all religions who plan to stand for the truth, for God, and against the false message of social justice, which has nothing to do with God and everything to do with government. There was one who said that by doing this, he would lose his entire congregation. I am praying for that pastor.
Well, there you have it. I had planned to download pictures, but my computer is acting up, and going very slow. I've already spent hours on this post, and frankly, my bum is getting a bit tired of sitting! So, check back in a few days for pictures!
Showing posts with label D.C.. Show all posts
Showing posts with label D.C.. Show all posts
Thursday, September 2, 2010
Monday, August 30, 2010
Miracles do happen
Our family left for D.C. on Wednesday. We wanted to have a few days for sight-seeing before the rally on Saturday. Glenn Beck had talked on his radio show that on Friday night there would be a special event at the Kennedy Performing Arts Center. There were 1000 seats available. Glenn had bought the tickets himself, and intended to give them out on Friday morning on a first come, first serve basis. I was really, really, wanting to go, but knew that the chances of securing a ticket or seven (one for each member in our group) would be next to impossible. But, Glenn said to expect miracles, so I dared to hope.
Late Thursday afternoon, our group split up. My brother-in-law and nephew wanted to go locate the Kennedy Center, because we planned to be there bright and early Friday morning, waiting in line for tickets. The rest of us, continued sight-seeing, heading in the opposite direction. One of the sights on our to-do list was to see the Daughters of the American Revolution building. Not because I am a Daughter of the American Revolution (but my Dad recently told me I could be. I just have to do some research to find out), but because of the initials...DAR aka my nickname.
As we were walking back, looking for a Metro Station, Hubby got a call from BIL saying that we need to bring food and blankets, and plan on spending the night, because a line was already forming. So, the five of us, head back to the cottage in which we are staying. We start discussing who will go back and spend the night on the streets, standing in line...each person would be able to get two tickets, so four people would have to spend the night. It was looking like it would be Hubby and me, but then, my other nephew said he would go. (Bless his heart.) Halfway back to our cottage, we realize that BIL has the only key. This is not good. Oh well, we'll just ask for another key. My nephew says that there is only one key, as they had already tried to get another key. However, when we arrived, we discovered that we had forgotten to lock the front door when we left that morning! (And, luckily, all our stuff was still in the cottage when we got back!) As we started making sandwiches, and gathering blankets, BIL calls again. Never mind coming, they started passing out tickets so no one would have to sleep on the streets. I was glad for that, but immediately concluded that I would not be going to the event. Four tickets, and BIL had two sons with him, and Hubby would go. Oh well, it was a long shot anyway, and at least Hubby would get to go. Then Hubby got another call. His voice sounded a little more excited when he said, "Really? That's awesome!" Here's what happened. BIL was talking with other people in line, some were able and willing to get an extra ticket, so BIL left with seven tickets! We would all be going!
BIL and nephew had decided that they would take it easy on Friday. Not even go into D.C. until the after noon. The rest of us had other plans. We would get up early, do some sight-seeing, then come back to the cottage early enough to get cleaned up, and rested up before going to the Kennedy Center. (You know right now that that didn't happen, don't you?) We wanted to leave by 3:00 because it takes a good hour of traveling by the MetoRail, and driving. And, we wanted to be heading back by 6:00 to get there by 7:00, when the doors opened. But, at 3:00 we were in the middle of the American History Museum, and suddenly no one wanted to leave. Hubby and I were hot, sweaty, and tired. We needed to go back. And, our tickets were still at the cottage. So, we left, and again halfway back, realized that we had no key.
By the time we pulled up to our cottage, we were way behind schedule, and we both had full bladders. Hubby went down to the office to get a spare key. Came back. Key didn't work. Walked back down to the office, and came back empty handed. We would have to wait until they located the guy who wears all the keys on his belt. Time was ticking away. We were still hot, sweaty, tired, and now hungry, with fuller bladders. Hubby started talking about breaking a window. I started praying that the man with the keys would hurry and get here. Thankfully, my prayer was answered, and no windows were broken. However, all our resting time was used up, and we only had time to shower, (dress), grab the tickets, and go. We drove back into D.C., rode the MetroRail to what we thought was the closest stop to Kennedy Center. (Our son had the map showing the layout and all the stops, so we tried to go from memory. Memory. Ha. Ha.)
After we walked a block or so, we called everyone, who were already waiting at the Kennedy Center, to say we were on our way. We were then told we got off way too early and would have a couple of miles to walk. We needed to turn around and get back on the MetroRail. Our legs were so tired from three days of walking, we couldn't bear the thought of turning around. We hailed a cab and said, "Take us to Kennedy Center." The ride cost us 10 bucks, but it was worth every penny!
We arrived at Kennedy Center right around 7:00. Miracles still do happen.
As we were walking back, looking for a Metro Station, Hubby got a call from BIL saying that we need to bring food and blankets, and plan on spending the night, because a line was already forming. So, the five of us, head back to the cottage in which we are staying. We start discussing who will go back and spend the night on the streets, standing in line...each person would be able to get two tickets, so four people would have to spend the night. It was looking like it would be Hubby and me, but then, my other nephew said he would go. (Bless his heart.) Halfway back to our cottage, we realize that BIL has the only key. This is not good. Oh well, we'll just ask for another key. My nephew says that there is only one key, as they had already tried to get another key. However, when we arrived, we discovered that we had forgotten to lock the front door when we left that morning! (And, luckily, all our stuff was still in the cottage when we got back!) As we started making sandwiches, and gathering blankets, BIL calls again. Never mind coming, they started passing out tickets so no one would have to sleep on the streets. I was glad for that, but immediately concluded that I would not be going to the event. Four tickets, and BIL had two sons with him, and Hubby would go. Oh well, it was a long shot anyway, and at least Hubby would get to go. Then Hubby got another call. His voice sounded a little more excited when he said, "Really? That's awesome!" Here's what happened. BIL was talking with other people in line, some were able and willing to get an extra ticket, so BIL left with seven tickets! We would all be going!
BIL and nephew had decided that they would take it easy on Friday. Not even go into D.C. until the after noon. The rest of us had other plans. We would get up early, do some sight-seeing, then come back to the cottage early enough to get cleaned up, and rested up before going to the Kennedy Center. (You know right now that that didn't happen, don't you?) We wanted to leave by 3:00 because it takes a good hour of traveling by the MetoRail, and driving. And, we wanted to be heading back by 6:00 to get there by 7:00, when the doors opened. But, at 3:00 we were in the middle of the American History Museum, and suddenly no one wanted to leave. Hubby and I were hot, sweaty, and tired. We needed to go back. And, our tickets were still at the cottage. So, we left, and again halfway back, realized that we had no key.
After we walked a block or so, we called everyone, who were already waiting at the Kennedy Center, to say we were on our way. We were then told we got off way too early and would have a couple of miles to walk. We needed to turn around and get back on the MetroRail. Our legs were so tired from three days of walking, we couldn't bear the thought of turning around. We hailed a cab and said, "Take us to Kennedy Center." The ride cost us 10 bucks, but it was worth every penny!
We arrived at Kennedy Center right around 7:00. Miracles still do happen.
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