Remembering

Today, we held a funeral service at Fort Sam Houston for my mother's step-father, Trini DeSantiago, who went home to be with the Lord at the age of 94....there is nothing like the pomp and ceremony of a military ceremony.....

Tom Brokaw once wrote a book called "The Greatest Generation" talking of those who served their country during a time of war. Trini was one of those who ended up serving, but in a sense he and some others were what I would consider the greatest of the "Greatest Generation". The ones that I talk about were men such as Trini and other Hispanic and African-American men and women who served their country during World War 2. The reason I say that these were the greatest of that great generation was of the circumstance in which they lived.

You must remember that the 1940's were a different time than they are now. Being African-American, Mexican-American, or of other minorities meant prejudice, bigotry and "separate but equal" (which was not). It was easy for white men and women to spring to duty and be ready to serve. Things would be different, but mostly the same. But I believe that for men and women of minority groups to do so meant something different. They were willing to look beyond prejudice being put against them and yet be willing to serve their country and do their patriotic duty to be sure that victory was won.

And you must remember that even though they won the war, these men and women would go back to-in some places, a society that would continue to show prejudice against them. However,  because of their service during the war, they showed that they were equal in valor and bravery and in a few years, these men and women would be the ones to fight another war in the next few decades, the war against prejudice and bigotry...it would take more time and more effort, but in the end that war would be won.

So Trini and to all who served, rest in peace and enter into the joy of the Lord, to whom there is no prejudice, bigotry and hatred....but love, joy, peace and the shelter of the arms of the Lord for all of you......

In, out or neither

Today I was reading the morning paper, and as it is the 2nd day of the year, they have the "in and out' list....things that are considered "in" (trending, hip, etc...) and things that are out (items that have become "passe") and it's interesting how these things change from year to year. Things considered trending on January 2, 2011 are considered so..."(fill in the number) seconds ago" (a phrase I absolutely detest!).

But thinking about this, I am reminded of the words of the book of James: "For what is your life? It is a vapor (puff of smoke) that appears for a little while and then vanishes (dissolves into thin air) away." (James 4:14b). So what should the priority of us who are believers should be? If they had asked me about what should be "in" or "out" (and you know they never would), I would have responded...

OUT: Caring about what people think should be "in" or "out" (a shifting list based on shifting values)
IN: Being more like the Lord (a lifestyle based on values that never change)

Because when you get to the bottom line, what will matter and what will last for eternity-following the latest trend and adapting to the world's standards which change with the prevailing currents or following the commandments of God and leaving a legacy of lives made better and of more value?

When I was lying in in a hospital bed in the middle of 2008, it didn't matter what was in or out, neither was of any value to me, what was of value were those who came in and lifted my family up in prayer, who shared words of comfort, and all of that were based on the values that never change. So if you were to ask me if I was in or out, I would say neither, I would say that I am here for something of more worth.....