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!
